The Journal reports that former Solicitor-General Vera Baird has floated the possibility of her running for Police and Crime Commissioner in Northumbria. This fits the pattern of other former Ministers who have tested the waters with rumours before announcing they were running.

The report also mentions as rival candidates Newcastle City Council cabinet member Henri Murison and Sunderland councillor Tom Foster as definites, with Leader of Gateshead Council Mick Henry and former North Tyneside mayor John Harrison as possibles.

With no Conservatives emerging as candidates the report mentions speculation that the party may instead support an independent candidate, leaving Labour with the only party-political candidate.