This week Rob Parsons gets listeners up to speed on what could be the most consequential and interesting election in the first half of this year - unless of course Rishi Sunak is forced to call an early General Election in the next few weeks. On May 2 the North East will go to the polls to choose the region's first ever metro mayor, with a host of new powers devolved from Westminster and a multi-billion pound war chest to spend. Unlike many of the elections for the North's metro mayors it's going to be a closely-fought dramatic battle and one with high stakes - as the winner will have the chance to transform a region that for so many decades has felt left behind and ignored by decision-makers in government. But whoever is elected will also lead a new mayoral authority with a big budget whose arrival will shake up the political landscape in the North East.  Rob speaks to the man in charge of setting up that new body - Dr Henry Kippin - for a rare interview about how the North East devolution deal will work and practice, what it will mean for people locally and how the new mayor will be held to account. And one of the North East's most knowledgeable political journalists, Dan Holland, the Local Democracy Reporter for Newcastle and the North East, sets the scene with a summary of the protracted and tortuous process that finally saw local leaders agree a deal with government. If you like the Northern Agenda podcast, why not leave a written review wherever you get your podcasts as it helps us get Northern politics in front of more people. And don’t forget, you can subscribe to our daily newsletter at www.thenorthernagenda.co.uk. The Northern Agenda is a Laudable production for Reach. It is presented by Rob Parsons - and this week's episode was edited and produced by Celeste Adams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices