The Gazette's version.
A spokesman for Mr Houchen told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that Mr Houchen himself did not instruct lawyers, nor did he have any power to do so. He said the advice was sought by TVCA officers to assess the legal position on its behalf following “untrue and defamatory allegations made against it” and its subsidiaries.
Ian Hislop, the editor of Private Eye, said the £7k bill was an “interesting use of public money earmarked for the regeneration of Teesside”. He said: “Good to see Lord Houchen supporting one of the most deprived sectors in Britain — London libel lawyers!”
A TVCA spokesman said: “The decision to seek legal advice was made following a series of articles by Private Eye and comments made by Middlesbrough MP Andy McDonald. False and unfounded allegations of misconduct and impropriety have been made against South Tees Development Corporation and its joint venture partner Teesworks Ltd.”
https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/t...ority-27695461