Skip to content
Welcome, thoughtbot's Giant Robots listeners!Start here
Ben Houchen
AI-generated illustration
PersonGB

Ben Houchen

Conservative mayor of the Tees Valley.

First elected in 2017, Ben Houchen remains the Conservative mayor heading Tees Valley Combined Authority and sits in The House of Lords.

Last refreshed: 22 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Timeline for Ben Houchen

View full timeline →
Follow UK Local Elections 2026 →

Background

Ben Houchen qualified as a solicitor in 2009 and practised corporate law, commercial law and commercial litigation for six years. He later ran a business and served as the UK and European chief executive of an international sportswear company. From 2014 to 2017, he led the Conservative group on Stockton Borough Council.

Houchen became the first elected mayor of Tees Valley in 2017, then won further terms in 2021 and 2024. He entered The House of Lords as Lord Houchen of High Leven on 12 July 2023 and sits as a Conservative life peer. Parliament's register lists his paid offices as Tees Valley mayor and chair of Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Common Questions
Why is Tees Valley Combined Authority being inspected?
Ministers cited financial sustainability, debt, borrowing, reserves and delayed accounts.Source: Lowdown
When was Ben Houchen elected mayor?
He was first elected in 2017 and re-elected in 2021 and 2024.Source: https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/about/leadership/mayor/
Who is Ben Houchen?
He is the Conservative mayor of Tees Valley and a life peer.Source: https://teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/about/leadership/mayor/
Source Material
Parliamentary career for Lord Houchen of High LevenTees Valley Mayor

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 22 October 2026. Editorial standards.