'Short-changed': The secrecy and intrigue of Ben Houchen’s mayoral run

Although the mayor won 2021’s election with 73 per cent of the vote, he’s likely to take his share of the backlash facing the Conservatives nationally come May's election

By Kevin Gopal, first published 20 March 2024

Michael Gove has given Lord Houchen six months to put his house in order – but that assumes the Teesside mayor will still be in power.

Houchen, ennobled in Boris Johnson’s resignation list in 2023, faces an election in May to gain a third term.

Although the controversial mayor won 2021’s election with a huge 73…