An independent review has called for action to address the ‘antagonistic' relationship between Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen and some councillors from the region's five local authorities.

The report by the Centre for Governance and Scrutiny (CfGS) also highlighted ‘mistrust' among Hartlepool, Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Redcar & Cleveland and Darlington councillors on the authority's scrutiny committee towards Tees Valley Combined Authority's (TVCA) officers.