Teesside shot themselves in the foot, years ago. Yes, the AEF operated from there, also talk of NUAS doing the same. Then the 'Greed God' took over. The amount of taxpayers dosh they wanted to allow the Chips and Bulls to play was unbelievable.
Hence the return to Leeming.
As for the 'Ton', chatting about the OP's conjecture with a squadron member tonight, his attitude was 'every day another rumour'.