“Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has promised a clampdown on potholes, as campaigning for the local elections gets under way.

On a visit to Darlington, in north-east England, he said new powers would help ensure firms repair roads properly after carrying out works, through more fines and inspections.

Some 230 councils across England are holding elections on 4 May.

The PM was in Darlington for a campaign visit, alongside Tees Valley mayor Ben Houchen and local MP Peter Gibson.

The Conservatives are currently the largest party on Darlington Council, after Labour lost control of the council in the 2019 local elections.”