MPs across the North East have voiced their opinions after the Levelling Up Secretary Simon Clarke left his role.

Mr Clarke's position was succeeded by the surprise return of Michael Gove, who has now taken up the position in new PM Rishi Sunak's cabinet.

The Northern Echo contacted North East MPs to get their reaction to Mr Clarke's departure from the role and Mr Gove's appointment.

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The Northern Echo:

Mary Foy, Labour MP for Durham City

Durham City MP Mary Foy said she does not believe the government has moved any closer to delivering on the 'levelling up' promise.

Ms Foy pointed out this would be the government's fifth Levelling Up secretary since 2019, and further questioned the government's ability to help the North.

When speaking on Mr Clarke's departure and questioning the priorities of the government's 'levelling up' plans, she said: "Simon Clarke leaves with major question marks hanging over devolution and with local authorities facing huge budgetary deficits.

"Levelling up is vital because the gap between the North and South of England is greater than between East and West Germany at the collapse of the Berlin Wall.

"We require sustained and transformative investment in the North East and as of yet I have seen very little evidence that Simon Clarke or any who held the role before him were on course to deliver that”

The Northern Echo:

Paul Howell, Conservative MP for Sedgefield

Sedgefield MP Paul Howell was left "disappointed" by the departure of one of his colleagues, but remained upbeat regarding Mr Gove's appointment.

Speaking on the role changes, he said: "I am sure further opportunities will arise for Simon as he is a committed and diligent Member of Parliament.

"I have engaged with his successor, Michael Gove MP, on many occasions in my short time in Westminster and I am sure he will be a friend of our region and as the architect of the Levelling Up white paper be committed to its delivery.

Mr Howell said he hopes he can work with the former education secretary with The All Party Parliamentary Group, and help "the most disadvantaged in society."

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Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham

North Durham MP Kevan Jones questioned the progress of the government's 'levelling up plans', and critiqued its effectiveness.

Mr Jones said: "It will make very little difference because 'levelling up' has been proven to be just a political slogan, rather than meaningful action.

"If the new Secretary of State is serious about levelling up, he's got to do something about the money that's been taken away from northern counties.

"If the government is serious about levelling up, it needs to restore the funding that's been taken away from Durham County Council, Durham Police, and Fire Service since 2011."

The Northern Echo:

Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar

Redcar MP Jacob Young praised Mr Clarke as a "huge asset" to the Conservatives, and said he felt "privileged" to have a good relationship with his friend and colleague.

In an endorsement of his colleague, he said: "He has done a brilliant job in all his Ministerial posts and as an MP, whether he's championing Teesworks or the Levelling Up agenda here.

“He continues to be a true standard-bearer for all the positive developments that are transforming Teesside and helping us move forward together."

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