Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has chaired the first meeting of the Mayor Council in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

The council will discuss the future of devolution and how best to shift power away from Westminster and into communities.

Regional mayors were invited to share their views on the development of the upcoming English Devolution White Paper.

The white paper will set out the government’s plans to widen devolution to more areas and deepen the powers of existing mayors and their combined authorities, ensuring they have the tools needed to boost economic growth.

The Mayoral Council is intended to strengthen the relationships between central government and the mayors, ensuring those with skin in the game are involved in discussions concerning devolution.

The group will meet every quarter, with minister across government invited to future sessions.

Rayner said: "It’s been fantastic to kick-off the first Mayoral Council today, ensuring our mayors have a proper seat at the table as we shape the future of English devolution.

"We want to learn from those who are already seeing the game-changing benefits of devolution as we work to shift more power away from Westminster and back into our communities, where it belongs."