A NEW leader for the North West Regional Development Agency had been selected BEFORE Lord Mandelson announced Bryan Gray would stay on for another year, the M.E.N. has learned.

The Business Secretary said Mr Gray and six other chairmen of regional development agencies would remain in post until mid-December 2009 to provide continuity during the economic crisis.

It is understood the seven leaders were called to London where they were asked to stay on. The candidates for the north west job are thought to have been Felicity Goodey, chairman of MediaCity at Salford Quays, retired corporate banker John McGuire, Peel Holdings' Robert Hough and Manchester Airports Group CEO Geoff Muirhead.

A source said today: "A new boss had been chosen for the north west with a view to taking over next month."

Several business leaders angered over the decision to postpone the appointment branded the selection process which began last January as a `complete waste of time' and a `farce'.