A group of some of the most prominent North East business leaders have called for unity and collaboration across the region after seismic changes to the political landscape.
A "drubbing" for Sir Keir Starmer's party in local elections across the region came as Reform UK celebrated sweeping successes, with the Greens and Lib Dems cementing their council spots.
A count in Hartlepool paved the way for a day of disappointment for Labour, as it lost control of the council, its leader lost her seat, and Reform won all of the 12 up for election.
No single party took overall control.
The Labour leaders of Sunderland, Gateshead and South Tyneside councils were also toppled as Nigel Farage's party took control of each.
In Newcastle, Labour leader Karen Kilgour lost her seat, with the party limping to just two seats as the Echo went to print last night.
In Sunderland, Labour had been in charge for more than 50 years, with the party entering the election with around 50 seats, but that tally was reduced to just six.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness earlier warned Sir Keir is on “borrowed time”, but did not call for him to step down.
The joint statement was issued by the North East Chamber of Commerce, the Confederation of British Industry North East, Make UK North, Voluntary Organisations' Network North East and the Federation of Small Businesses North East, and was signed by John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, Matt Bratton, North East regional director at the Confederation of British Industry, Dawn Huntrod, North England regional director at Make UK, Martin Brookes, chief executive of the Voluntary Organisations' Network North East, and Katy Scott, North East regional business and stakeholder manager at the Federation of Small Businesses.
It says: “Congratulations to all the newly elected councillors across the North East.
“We look forward to building strong, constructive relationships with new and re-elected councillors, leaders, and their administrations during their term in office.
“In recent years, the North East has benefited from a strong and growing spirit of collaboration between business, voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE), local authorities, and regional leadership through the Tees Valley Combined Authority and the North East Combined Authority.
“This partnership approach has been key to building investor confidence, supporting job creation, and ensuring the region speaks with a clear and credible voice on national and international stages.
“As organisations representing businesses, not-for-profits, community interest companies, charities, and public bodies of all sizes and sectors, we strongly encourage incoming council leaderships to continue this constructive engagement and work.
“There is a great deal at stake.
“Our members consistently emphasise the need for policy stability and long-term commitment to support economic success.
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“Key priorities include to continue progress on strengthening skills pathways aligned to employer needs, tackling inequality and health barriers to support an inclusive and productive economy, investing in transport and digital connectivity, backing culture and place to attract talent and drive tourism and delivering on the energy trilemma - security, affordability and decarbonisation.
“Regular, open, and meaningful dialogue with the business and VCSE communities is essential to sustaining growth, unlocking investment, and delivering opportunity for communities across the North East.
“We stand ready to work with all elected members to ensure our region continues to grow, compete, and deliver for the passionate and skilled people and communities we serve.”
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