Rishi Sunak hails Ben Houchen’s victory as Tees Valley Mayor ‘they couldn’t dislodge’ [Video]

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made an appearance on Teesside to hail Ben Houchen’s third election victory as Tees Valley Mayor.

Mr Sunak and Lord Houchen exchanged thanks and congratulations after the Conservative metro mayor secured a third term with 54% of the vote, a reduced majority, against 43% for Labour’s Chris McEwan. The result was announced at Thornaby Pavilion just before midday on Friday.

Hours later, Conservative MPs and councillors assembled in a hangar at Teesside International Airport to welcome the mayor and Prime Minister. Mr Houchen said “I absolutely promise to repay” people’s support while, on a day of numerous defeats for the Tories in local elections, Mr Sunak claimed the mayor’s success meant the public were “going to stick with us” in a general election.

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