McCabe ponders bid to be North Tyne Mayor
Business editor A LEADING figure in the North East business community has said he is considering running to be North of Tyne mayor.
John McCabe, who is president of the North East England Chamber of Commerce, has issued a statement saying he is pondering a run as an independent candidate in May’s mayoral election.
Mr McCabe runs his own PR firm in Blyth, Northumberland, and was known to many as a senior executive at the Alcan/Rio Tinto aluminium smelter at Lynemouth before its closure in 2012.
His profile has raised significantly over the last two years in his role as Chamber president, where he won admirers for his championing of the region and its business community including criticism of the Government’s handling of Brexit.
Mr McCabe’s potential mayoral run follows Labour’s decision to vote for far-left candidate Jamie Driscoll ahead of Newcastle City Council leader Nick Forbes.
The Conservatives have yet to announce their candidate but Mr McCabe has taken issue with one person heavily linked with the role for an attack on Mr Driscoll last week whch brought in his children.
Mr McCabe has said: “Having been approached by a significant number of people encouraging me to do so, I can confirm I am considering standing as an independent candidate in the forthcoming North of Tyne mayoral election.
“This is a very important election for everyone living, learning or working in the North of Tyne.
“The creation of the North of Tyne Combined Authority provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for our region and I believe it is essential when we vote on May 2 we are able to make a choice from a list of candidates representing the entire mainstream political spectrum.
“I also hope the campaign is conducted in a civilised fashion worthy of the people the candidates hope to represent.
“Some fine candidates have put themselves forward for their respective local party nominations, although not all have made it on to the final ballot.
“I welcome the approach taken by the leadership of Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council and Northumberland County Council in establishing the North of Tyne Combined Authority and it is important we now elect a mayor who can work with these politicians in delivering the first stage of devolution in our region.
“I am not a politician and perhaps that is what is needed to unite the North of Tyne and to ensure we make the most of the opportunities before us.
“I have not taken a final decision but it is something I will be discussing further with my family in the coming days.”