Labour MPs hit at way cash was allocated

CHANCELLOR Rishi Sunak has came under fire for lavishing funding on Teesside – but neglecting other parts of the North East.

He was criticised by Labour MPs after delivering a Budget statement which included a series of announcements for Teesside, but had little specifically aimed at other parts of the North East. Conservatives are fighting an high-profile election in Teesside later this year, when Tory mayor Ben Houchen is standing again.

Gateshead MP Ian Mearns said: “Why am I not surprised? This is political partisanship put into practice. It’s a continuation of their long-term strategy of using public finances for party political gain.”

A number of North East MPs highlighted the focus on Teesside, with far less investment apparently going into other parts of the North East.

Wansbeck Labour MP Ian Lavery said: “Nothing for Wansbeck. Nothing for Northumberland. Nothing for North of Tyne.”

South Shields Labour MP Emma Lewell-Buck accused the Chancellor of “total disregard for South Shields and surrounding areas”.

But Conservative Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, welcomed the Budget. He said: “This is a budget which delivers on the Government’s levelling up agenda, as well as delivering a credible long term plan for Britain.

“The fantastic news for the North East regarding the Treasury getting a new site at Darlington and Teesside getting a free port will help deliver thousands of good local jobs across the entire region and should be welcomed by everyone. It’s a testament to the work of the Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and Conservative MPs from across the region.”

Mr Sunak said: “Today’s multi-billion-pound announcement of additional support – including the extension to the furlough scheme and Self-Employment Income Support Scheme – demonstrates our commitment to supporting people’s lives and livelihoods across the North East.’’