Tory MPs’ comments resurface over controversial development board after appointment uncertainty

Comments from two Conservative MPs have resurfaced after uncertainty over whether Labour’s new deputy mayor would be invited to sit on a regeneration board.

Last week, ousted Tory deputy mayor Cllr Mieka Smiles confirmed she had no plans to give up her role on the Middlesbrough mayoral development corporation (MDC) board. The aim of the body is to turbocharge regeneration in the town centre and Middlehaven.

She lost her role as deputy mayor when Andy Preston failed to win re-election against Labour’s Chris Cooke on May 4. Labour has also regained control of the council with 25 councillors – the Independents have 15, the Conservatives have four and the Liberal Democrats have two.

Cllr Smiles, who represents Nunthorpe, was appointed to the MDC while deputy mayor for a two-year term. However, she is allowed to retain her position on the board because it is not conditional on her being deputy mayor and can remain on as an elected member, according to the constitution.

Last week, Cllr Smiles said: “I think some continuity is important as there has already been discussion of the exciting plans the corporation can achieve and I’m more than happy to continue with my contribution for as long as it’s required. I look forward to working with the rest of the board to make sure that the progress for Middlesbrough and its future is maintained.”

The MDC board has only had one meeting so far, in March it agreed on the constitution and received a presentation about potential projects.

Now, comments from a parliamentary debate two months ago have resurfaced. Hartlepool MP Jill Mortimer said: “Those places on the board will belong to whoever is democratically elected as mayor and deputy mayor. If a Labour mayor and deputy mayor are democratically elected come May, they will take those places on the board.”

During the same debate, Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Simon Clarke added: “If the town’s mayor and deputy mayor were Labour councillors, they would sit on the board if they were to win the election in May.”

Labour Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald said if Cllr Smiles remains on the board and Cllr Philippa Storey, the current deputy mayor, is not invited then it would be a “denial of democracy” and “another demonstration of just how fearful and resistant Ben [Houchen] is to scrutiny and challenge.”

Tory Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen refused to confirm whether or not the new deputy mayor Cllr Philippa Storey would be invited to sit on the board. However, he did state that he was still waiting for Mr Cooke to respond to his letter inviting him to sit on both the South Tees Development Corporation and the MDC.

He added: “I have always been consistent in saying that the leader of Middlesbrough Council would be invited to sit on the board and I am still waiting to find out whether he has accepted or not.”

Last week, Mr Cooke, who voted against the creation of the MDC, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he would sit on the board to “make sure we get the best deal for Middlesbrough.” He added that he wanted the body to stop being used as a “political football” and would be discussing a number of issues with Mr Houchen at a meeting this week.

A spokesman for Mr Clarke said: “Mr Clarke was clear that there would be a political transfer in the event of a Labour Mayor being elected, as there now has been. The new mayor has emphasised his commitment to being the mayor for the whole of Middlesbrough, including people from all parties.

“Cllr Smiles would offer huge experience to bear, having served as deputy mayor, and would be willing to work cross-party to take town centre regeneration forward. It is now for the MDC Board to determine its most appropriate composition. Ultimately this is a matter for them.”

The MDC has proved to be a contentious body. For its backers, it provides an opportunity to turbocharge regeneration in the town but for its critics, it’s a needless body that’s conducting a “smash and grab” of £14.7m worth of council assets.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove intervened and gave his support to the development corporation after councillors voted against the scheme. It’s understood the government will aim to transfer the assets by early summer.

Ms Mortimer has been contacted for comment.

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