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People in the North East back controversial plans for a regional mayor despite vocal criticism, according to a leading think tank.

And they want the mayor to make improving the region’s transport services and housing their priorities.

Those are the findings of the biggest opinion poll of its kind to be carried out in the region, commissioned by think tank the Centre for Cities.

And Alexandra Jones, the think tank’s chief executive, said: “This polling shows that despite vocal criticism of the North East devolution deal by some councillors and MPs in the region, who regard a new metro-mayor as a top-down imposition, there is clear public support for a strong mayor to take the lead in the region, and to act on behalf of local people in addressing important issues such as housing and transport.”

The survey by ComRes found that a majority of adults said that the new mayor to be elected in May 2017 should have greater powers than local council leaders.

More than half of those asked (59%) said a mayor should have more powers than existing council leaders. Some 22% disagreed, while others said they didn’t know.

The mayor’s top priorities should include developing plans to invest in rail and road networks within region, and plans to build or commission affordable housing, the poll found.

There was also support for the idea of creating a city-region strategic plan to make decisions about major developments and infrastructure.

But there was little interest in the idea of creating a “smart ticketing” system, which will allow commuters to use a single ticket for trains, buses and the Metro light rail system.

Supporters of a mayor may be disappointed that 27% of respondents said they had not heard about plans to create the position - while another 27% said they were “not very familiar” with the proposal.

It means that a majority of people in the region said they knew nothing or little about the planned mayor.

However, with a year to go until the election takes place, there is time for this to change.

And 43% of the population, more than four in ten, said they knew about the planned mayor.

The North East is expected to elect a regional mayor next year, although this will only happen if local council leaders agree to create a mayor-led combined authority next week.

County Durham, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland councils are expected to agree to a deal, while Gateshead has backed out of the plan.

But the proposal is highly controversial. A number of MPs reject proposals for a mayor, and vocal critics include Nick Brown, Labour MP for Newcastle East, and Kevan Jones, Labour MP for North Durham. Councillors have also opposed the idea.

Former Gateshead Council Leader Mick Henry resigned after 14 years at the helm after the authority rejected the mayor plan.

Critics claim a mayor and regional authority will become responsible for implementing cuts imposed by the Conservative Government at Westminster.