Ben Houchen

Ben Houchen is a British Conservative politician and life peer who has served as the Tees Valley Mayor since 2017. Born in Stockton-on-Tees, he previously served as a councillor on the Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council from 2011 to 2017. As mayor, he has focused on regional economic development, including the acquisition and public ownership of Teesside International Airport and the establishment of the South Tees Development Corporation. In 2023, he was created Baron Houchen of High Leven and introduced to the House of Lords. Throughout his tenure, he has been a prominent figure in regional politics, though his administration has faced scrutiny regarding transparency in public funding and development projects.