Chris Burnicle eyes Tory pick for North East mayor

Chris Burnicle, a Sunderland councillor and local businessman, wants to be selected as the Conservative candidate for North East mayor

A second Conservative politician has launched his bid to become the party's candidate for North East mayor.

Chris Burnicle, who sits on Sunderland City Council, hopes to be on the ballot paper for May's election.

The businessman said he would be the North East's "biggest champion" if he was elected.

Sedgefield MP Paul Howell has also thrown his hat in the ring to represent the Tories, with the party set to make a decision in November.

A Conservative Party spokesperson said it would "select a North East mayoral candidate in due course".

Whoever is elected will represent a population of about two million people stretching across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, and County Durham.

The role is being created under a £4.2bn devolution deal for the North East of England, which is due to be ratified in the next few months and will bring with it new funding and decision-making powers.

Mr Burnicle, who is from Sunderland, has represented St Chad's ward on the council since 2021.

"I am a Conservative because, as a child, I lived in a house that was derelict and watched my dad - through hard work and ambition - turn it into a home," he said in a statement.

"I am a Conservative because I believe in family - and helping families to succeed.

"And I am a Conservative because I believe we all have a responsibility to the place we call home, to make it an even better place for our children to grow up."

Labour's choice is Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness, while Jamie Driscoll, North of Tyne mayor, plans to run as an independent after leaving the party.

Other candidates have yet to be announced.