Ben Houchen has argued Reform is “singing to a tune” of public concerns - but still thinks there is “a lot to play for” before another general election.

The Tees Valley Mayor said he was not concerned about the rise in Reform in the North East but admitted there was “a lot of work to do to win back trust” for the Conservatives.

During a visit from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch at Teesside Airport this week, he admitted that the successes of Nigel Farage’s party were “unsurprising”.

Meanwhile, Ms Badenoch insisted that the Tories were still Labour’s main opposition, and the only party to “run an area properly and deliver”.

Mr Houchen explained: “I think there's a long way to go to the next general election and Reform is clearly a party........

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