Reform UK names Paul Donaghy as North East mayoral candidate

Paul Donaghy is currently a councillor serving Washington South in Sunderland

Reform UK has announced its candidate for the 2024 North East mayoral election.

Paul Donaghy, a Sunderland councillor, said it was "time for something different in politics", as he was selected by party members.

Reform UK, previously the Brexit Party, was founded by Nigel Farage in 2018.

Mr Donaghy joins Labour's Kim McGuiness, Conservative Guy Renner-Thompson, Green Andrew Gray and Independent Jamie Driscoll in the race.

The election will be held in May, with the role created under a £4.2bn devolution deal for the North East of England.

It will bring with it new funding and decision-making powers.

• Listen: The North East Mayoral Race

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

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Mr Donaghy, who represents the Washington South ward on Sunderland City Council, said if elected he would "promote economic growth, improve infrastructure, enhance community development, invest in youth provisions and represent the interests of the people, not those of any political party or unions".