PEEL boss Robert Hough has been named as the new chairman of the NWDA– as it fights for its very future. Mr Hough’s appointment is the culmination of a career working for one of the region’s biggest companies, which owns Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport and the Trafford Centre.

But it could turn out to be one of the shortest-lived roles of his life, as a possible incoming Conservative government is threatening to scrap the Warrington-based agency, which will spend £386m of taxpayers’ cash this year.

Last night Mr Hough, 63, seemed fairly relaxed and said it would not be the job of the Agency to lobby the Conservative party.

“It’s important to articulate that, for every £1 we have spent, it has generated £4.50.

“We can take a regional view, which often cannot be done by individual local authorities.

“I don’t think it is our job to lobby the Conservatives specifically, but to communicate that message.”

He believes the Agency needs to focus on the task in hand – helping the region during the recession.

“The main challenge is to ensure the region weathers the economic storm, and becomes a knowledge-led and low carbon economy.

“I have no doubt that there are challenges ahead, but it is my personal commitment to make sure that the region is well-placed to face them robustly, build on our many strengths, and emerge from this downturn in a strong position.”

"Naturally, I am thrilled and hugely honoured. Having been a board member of the NWDA for over 18 months, I have been fortunate to get to know both the region and many of the hard-working and dedicated staff of the Agency. I am looking forward to working with both them and our many partners for the benefit of our region.”

Mr Hough lives in Altrincham with his wife, Pauline, and has two grown-up sons.

He will take over from current chairman Bryan Gray on August 17.

It will see him relinquish responsibility for Peel Airports, where he has worked for the past 12 years.