I’M delighted all five local Labour leaders have decided to back Tory Ben Houchen’s airport buyout plan (Echo, Jan 25). They are to be congratulated for putting Teesside’s prosperity before party politics.

It’s just a pity our Westminster Labour leaders don’t copy their example and put the national interest first, and political party second, on the issue of Brexit.

Everybody I speak to backs Ben’s buyout because it’s unthinkable that our area could be without an airport, so important for the local economy, business and tourism.

Without an airport, Teesside will never take-off, let alone fly.

Steve Kay, Independent Redcar and Cleveland councillor