Red Wall Mayor Ben Houchen wants to roll out the red carpet for the new US President
DONALD Trump has been invited to visit Britain - by Red Wall Tory Ben Houchen.
The Mayor for Tees Valley has written to the US President hailing his stunning "political comeback" and inviting him to the North East.
He is stealing a march on PM Sir Keir Starmer who has not officially invited Mr Trump to the UK yet.
In the letter, seen by The Sun on Sunday, Mr Houchen extends his " heartfelt congratulations on your recent electoral victory - one of, if not the biggest political comebacks in US history".
He also hails Mr Trump's "commitment to boosting communities that have been neglected by past governments and giving a voice to the unheard".
And he draws comparison between Teesside in the North East of England, and the American Rust Belt that delivered Trump's thumping victory.
He states: "We in the Tees Valley are at the coalface of the real economy.
"Detached from London and in need of investment, the area I represent is central to the UK Government's Northern Powerhouse agenda.
"We are enacting the same principles you are in the 'Rust Belt' states."
Signing off, Mr Houchen adds: "Congratulations once again, Mr President.
"Please know that you have many admirers here and we hope this term brings even greater success and opportunity for the American people and the special relationship between our great nations."
The PM is expected to invite Mr Trump for a state visit next year - once he officially takes over from Joe Biden as the US President.