Mackems must be asked before Newcastle-based Mayor is imposed upon Sunderland
Speaking after comments made to a Parliamentary committee this morning (6th July) by North of Tyne Mayor Jamie Driscoll that he is in discussions with government about extending the mayorality and devolution deal to include Sunderland, County Durham, Gateshead and South Tyneside, Liberal Democrat Sunderland City Councillor for Hendon and Grangetown Ciaran Morrissey said:
"Extra funding for the North East is always welcome but the Government must make sure people in Sunderland are asked whether we want to be governed by - and pay for - a new politician before a Metro Mayor is imposed upon us.
"We already have a Newcastle-based Police Commissioner who does nothing for Wearside - people in Sunderland won't want more centralisation of powers and money on Tyneside with our city failing to see any benefits."