The three authorities that voted in favour of the North East devolution deal are contemplating pressing ahead with negotiations alone, The MJ understands.
Communities secretary Sajid Javid last week delivered a clear-cut statement to the leaders of the North East combined authority, declaring the deal ‘off the table’ after they voted four to three against taking the plans forward.
Mr Javid said he would instead focus on ‘working to secure a new agreement for residents in those areas committed to progressing with devolution’.
North Tyneside Council, Newcastle City Council and Northumberland Council – the authorities that voted in favour of the deal – are now expected to take fresh proposals to Whitehall in a bid to secure devolution for their smaller region.
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