Ben Houchen, the Tees Valley Mayor since May 2017, has been in the news due to his involvement in the Teesworks project. An independent review found no evidence of corruption or illegality in the project but raised concerns about transparency and decision-making. Houchen, a member of the Conservative Party, has faced scrutiny over his handling of the project, which aims to revitalize the Tees Valley area.
Born on December 9, 1986, Ben Houchen is an English politician who represents the five Tees Valley local authority areas of Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar, Hartlepool, and Darlington. A member of the Conservative Party, Houchen has been serving as the Tees Valley Mayor since 2017. He has been active in promoting economic development and investment in the region, with a focus on initiatives like the Teesworks project. Houchen's leadership and policies have garnered both support and criticism, making him a prominent figure in regional politics.