OTHER organisations and governmental departments are interested in moving to the Treasury's new northern campus in Darlington, the Chancellor said today.

Rishi Sunak told the Commons Treasury Committee his department was set to be "joined by several other departments… either related to government or other bits of government".

But he said the names of the organisations were not public yet.

Senior staff at the Treasury began working in Darlington last month as part of Boris Jonson's aim to decentralise Government and spread his senior politicians and officials around the country to gain a better understanding of the issues that affect people outside London.

Until the new Economic Campus is built, the teams will be based alongside Department for Education colleagues at Bishopsgate House behind the council offices and then Feethams House opposite the DL1 leisure complex.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: "Rishi is a true Chancellor of the North who is showing a real commitment to levelling up. Having already set up his desk in the heart of Darlington, it's great to hear even more organisations and government departments are eager to move to the town.

"We always knew this would happen, bringing the treasury will lead to more jobs, more investment and more opportunities than ever before and this is another example of that progress.

"I look forward to working with the team to help deliver this and bring more good-quality jobs for people across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool."

Speaking last month, Mr Sunak said: "Our campus in Darlington is one of the ways we are delivering on our commitment to level up. Opening up job opportunities in the region will help us diversify the way we make policy and broaden our access to skills and talent.

"We will be launching a recruitment drive and I would urge as many local people as possible – from Darlington and the wider region – to apply now and join our growing team here."