North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has appointed a new cabinet for the North East Combined Authority, with a new focus on the five missions that underpin the region’s plan for economic growth, alongside investment to create jobs and deliver a world-class transport network
The Mayor’s new cabinet includes two new members following the election of a new Mayor of North Tyneside and a new Leader at Durham County Council. Mayor McGuinness announced the refreshed portfolios at the annual meeting of the North East CA at The Story in County Durham on June 10.
New leader of Durham County Council Cllr Andrew Husband was appointed cabinet member for A North East We Are Proud To Call Home, overseeing Housing Policy and Delivery, Social Housing and the North East CA Rural Growth Fund.
New Mayor of North Tyneside Mayor Karen Clark was appointed cabinet member for Home to the Green Energy Revolution, overseeing Energy, Net Zero, and Environment and Coast.
Leader of Sunderland City Council Michael Mordey was appointed cabinet member for Finance and Investment, Gateshead Council leader Martin Gannon was appointed cabinet member for Transport, South Tyneside Council Leader Tracey Dixon was appointed cabinet member for Home of Real Opportunity, Newcastle City Council Leader Karen Kilgour was appointed cabinet member for Home to A Growing And Vibrant Economy, and Leader of Northumberland County Council Glen Sanderson was appointed cabinet member for A Welcoming Home To Global Trade.
Chief Executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the North East Business and Economy Board John McCabe will continue as a non-voting cabinet member representing the business community, and Chief Executive of Voluntary Organisations Network North East (VONNE) Martin Brookes will continue as a non-voting cabinet member representing the CVS (Community and Voluntary Sector).
The Cabinet is the main decision-making body of the North East Combined Authority. It is made up of the Mayor and one councillor from each of the seven constituent authorities.
Mayor Kim McGuinness said: "It’s my pleasure to announce these new cabinet roles.
“We’ve come a long way in just a year – gaining £1.85bn for transport to send the Metro to Washington and repair the Tyne Bridge, setting up the country's first Child Poverty Reduction Unit, and approving our Investment Fund, Investment Zone and Trailblazer programmes which will create nearly 3,000 jobs and back almost 650 businesses to grow in the region.
“But this is just the start.
“Together, we are working hard to make real improvements to the North East.”
Cllr Andrew Husband – A North East We Are Proud to Call Home
“The North East is a place people are proud to live in and call home.
“Delivering safe, secure, and affordable housing is fundamental to that. From improving social housing to unlocking rural growth, we’ll ensure every community feels the impact of real change.
“We will build homes that meet local needs, support inclusive growth, and help create thriving, connected places for current and future generations.”
Mayor Karen Clark – Home to the Green Energy Revolution
“I want every young person to have the best start in life, and people of all ages to have employment opportunities, meaningful work and fair access to jobs.
“The Green Energy Revolution will be a key part of achieving this and is one of the most exciting and vital areas of our region’s future.
“We have a rich history of leading from the front with emerging industries and have the potential to be world leaders in this field.
“It will allow us to create skilled jobs, create a cleaner, greener region and protect our renowned natural environment and coastline”
“I’ll work to ensure our energy sector thrives through innovation and investment, while supporting communities to benefit from retrofit programmes and our new world-first Carbon and Nature Marketplace.
“This is our chance to build a cleaner, fairer and more sustainable North East for generations to come.”
Cllr Michael Mordey – Finance and Investment
“This is a critical time for our region and my mission is clear: to deliver real value for money, back ambitious ideas, and ensure every investment we make improves lives across the North East.
“It is about creating opportunity by driving the inclusive growth and unlocking the investment we need to build a more fair, green economy.”
Cllr Martin Gannon – Transport
“Delivering our Local Transport Plan is central to building a region that is better connected, more inclusive, and environmentally world class.
“Efficient and sustainable transport provides access to opportunity, supports our economy, and improves everyday life
“Whether it’s greener buses, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, safer walking and cycling routes, or more reliable public transport, I’m committed to delivering a network that drives forward our vision for a fairer future.”
Cllr Tracey Dixon – Home of Real Opportunity
“Opportunity sits at the heart of creating a fairer North East.
“Tackling child poverty, improving skills, and opening up access to good jobs and vibrant high streets are essential to building real opportunity.
“I’m committed to reforming services so they work better for people. Culture and creativity must also be part of that journey, helping people feel proud of who they are and where they live. No one will be left behind as our region grows.”
Cllr Karen Kilgour – Home to a Growing and Vibrant Economy
“We have already achieved so much through devolution and I am proud of how we have worked closely with Mayor McGuinness to deliver for this region.
“The Local Growth Plan is crucial to the economic future of the North East. It means backing the businesses, people, and ideas that power us, from the foundational economy to world-leading innovation.
“I am delighted that Mayor McGuinness shares our ambition as a city to put the cultural and creative industries at the heart of that plan. We have brought the MOBOs, Mercury Prize and Warner Brothers UK to Newcastle, while the delivery of the incredible Crown Works Studios in Sunderland is a game changer.
“The North East has something the rest of the UK can’t compete with – passion, talent and the pride in the region. This is about building a dynamic, resilient economy rooted in that local pride. It’s about creating good jobs and long-term prosperity for everyone.”
Cllr Glen Sanderson – A Welcoming Home to Global Trade
“I’m proud to take on the responsibility of strengthening the North East’s global connections.
“Attracting inward investment, boosting exports, and cultivating international relationships will be key to growing our economy and creating new opportunities.
“It’s vital businesses in the North East have access to the finance and investment funds they need to innovate and compete on the world stage.
“That way, we can work together to build a more prosperous, inclusive region, that opens doors for all our communities and showcases the North East as a confident, competitive partner in the global economy.”