Council Leaders of the North East Combined Authority. which includes Durham are starting talks with the Government about a devolution deal.

Proposals to have an elected Mayor will be included in the discussions.

In a letter to Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, the leaders and elected mayor of the seven councils which form neca set out their ambitions for a radical devolution deal which would help in developing the area as the Northern Powerhouse's export region.

Council Leader of Durham County Council and Chair of NECA Simon Henig, said:

"We want to explore with Government the scope for a radical devolution deal for the North East, with substantial devolution of powers and responsibilities.

"In parallel to this, we will consider with Government the most appropriate governance structures, including an elected mayor, to oversee those new powers.

"We will approach this process of negotiation with an open mind about where this takes us and are all firmly committed to seizing the opportunity that real devolution presents for our region."

A key focus of neca's ambitions is to push export-led growth and enable business to take advantage of international opportunities.

Businesses, trade unions and other groups will also be consulted.