Labour concedes defeat in Tees Valley mayoral race with implications for Conservative Party's parliamentary seats.
Conservative Ben Houchen holds on in the north east, affecting potential swing of parliamentary seats from Tories to Labour.
Voters showing support for Houchen but not necessarily for the Conservative Party in a general election.
Result seen as a positive for Tories amidst day of local election seat losses, potential impact on Rishi Sunak's leadership.
Debate among Tory MPs on vote of confidence in Sunak, pending results of Teesside and West Midlands mayor elections.