Cllr Bob Cook

Leader of Stockton on Tees Council

Cllr Nick Forbes

Leader of Newcastle City Council

Cllr Martin Gannon

Leader of Gateshead Council

Cllr Graeme Miller

Leader of Sunderland City Council

Mayor Norma Redfern

Elected Mayor of North Tyneside

Cllr Stewart Young

Leader of Cumbria County Council