An historic devolution deal means more funding and local decision making powers are coming to the North East. The deal involves the creation of a new North East Combined Authority covering County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. Following an order being laid in Parliament to establish the new combined authority on 20 March 2024, an election will now be called to take place on May 2nd 2024 to elect a Mayor for the region.