LABOUR Metro Mayor Jamie Driscoll is set to announce a “bold plan” for full employment in north-east England today.

In a speech in Sunderland, the left-wing leader of the North of Tyne Combined Authority will pledge to create thousands of green jobs and build a “total transport network” across the austerity-hit region.

The commitment coincides with the launch of the ex-Newcastle councillor’s bid to win the Labour nomination to lead the new North East Mayoral Combined Authority, which is due to be operational from May next year.