A REFORMED North East Combined Authority (NECA) has met for the first time since the North and South of Tyne split.

Leaders from Durham, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland met for the first time since the former NECA disbanded to allow Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland to form their own mayoral combined authority.

South Tyneside Council leader Iain Malcolm was appointed chairman and Durham County Council’s Simon Henig was named vice-chair.

A statement by NECA said: “The NECA area is the productive heart of the North-East region’s economy. And so, our decisions are critically important to the economic wellbeing of the wider region.

“Today’s meeting is the start of a new journey towards achieving our ambitions individually and collectively and we are ready to step up to the plate and ensure that this area continues to supply the economic lifeblood to power this fantastic region.”

The statement also confirmed that NECA will work in collaboration with other regional bodies, including the new North of Tyne Combined Authority.

It added: “Though the North of Tyne Devolution Deal has seen our counterpart authorities in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland form their own new mayoral combined authority, we know that the strength of partnership that remains across all parts of our region will allow us to continue to drive forward priorities around economic development and regeneration, delivering huge benefits for everyone across the North East.

“We will deliver a joint transport strategy with our North of Tyne colleagues to ensure our resident and business needs are delivered going forward.”