The Tees Valley mayoral election race sees Boro chairman Steve Gibson endorsing Labour's Chris McEwan, criticizing Ben Houchen and Teesworks. Critics accuse Houchen of gifting £500 million in value to associates through controversial deals, sparking calls for a National Audit Office inquiry.
18 mins or so into this Tees Valley hustings, a section on Teesworks. Ben Houchen claims: - that the independent review called the project “the most incredible thing”. It didn’t - that it said Teesworks was value for money. It didn’t https://t.co/f2dIC6wYwk
Ben Houchen, the Tory Teesside Mayor, may well be out of a job by next Friday. #PMQs @mattwestern MP says how the Boro FC Chair Steve Gibson has described Houchen as having 'gifted' £500 million of value "to 2 of his mates" Oliver Dowden replies with a whimper. https://t.co/gbir0MHe0F
This morning Ben Houchen said the controversial share transfer which saw 90% of Teesworks Ltd handed over to two property developers was "the best thing for Teesside." https://t.co/sMEIJIrVq8
According to local legend & Boro Chairman, Steve Gibson, the Mayor of Tees Valley Lord Houchen has “gifted” some £500 MILLION in future value to 2 of his mates. Teesside Taxpayers have been sold down the river🧵 https://t.co/AKONjFaVIa
It’s a terrible deal for taxpayers. Lord Houchen has blown this golden opportunity to transform the economy of the Tees Valley for the benefit of the people. Over £500mn of public investment yet it’s the JV partners who benefit. We need a National Audit Office Inquiry now. https://t.co/JxKTT72VbR
Extraordinary development in the Tees Valley mayoral election race tonight Boro chairman Steve Gibson has come out and endorsed Labour's @chrismcewan11 and launched a scathing attack on Ben Houchen and Teesworks ✍️ Exclusive @Echochrislloyd https://t.co/0r1iWmkP9L