Reacting to polling released by More in Common, Independent North of Tyne Mayor, Jamie Driscoll, said:
“We’re on course for a people powered political earthquake in the North East. This poll shows a huge number of voters want an independent Mayor, free from Westminster influence, who can put the North East first.
“Trust in traditional political parties is at an all-time low. People are sick of the posturing and backstabbing in London, whilst nothing gets fixed up here.
“I’m an engineer by trade, fixing broken systems is what I do. I worked cross party to land us the best funded devolution deal in the country. That approach has helped me create thousands of new jobs and homes, increase adult skills enrolments by 60%, boost our offshore wind sector and deliver a Child Poverty Prevention Programme in 100 schools – all without putting a penny on the council tax or taking on any debt.
“It’s clear on the doorstep that most people want Rishi Sunak out of government. But this isn’t a general election. This is about the North East. So many people have said they finally feel free to vote for the candidate they want and not simply the rosette they wear.
“We have a huge team of tireless activists out leafleting and talking to people across the region every day. The feedback is that people just want politicians to tell the truth, work together and get on with their job.”
