Labour’s resurgence has continued with a raft of new MPs in County Durham.
Luke Akehurst claimed victory in North Durham, Sam Rushworth won in Bishop Auckland, Alan Strickland is the first MP for Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor and Liz Twist won in the newly-created Blaydon and Consett constituency. Meanwhile Mary Kelly-Foy and Grahame Morris held onto their seats in Durham City and Easington, respectively.
County Durham Labour Leader, Cllr Carl Marshall, said:
“It has been a momentous night for County Durham, for the North East and for a resurgent Labour. We promised change and will now deliver it. Congratulations to our new and returning MPs for fantastic campaigns and thank you to our army of members who worked tirelessly to deliver this result and also huge thanks to everyone who turned out to vote in County Durham.
“Labour’s resurgence continues, and these results are a clear demonstration that we are winning back the trust of residents ignored by a Tory government and Tory-led Coalition running Durham County Council. That people are embracing Labour values and our vision of hope is another great leap forward towards the goal of reclaiming the Council.
“Labour campaigned on “change” and that hit home with people locally, regionally and nationally. We’ve won every by-election in County Durham since 2021 – another last night as Vivienne Anderson won in Coxhoe and Bowburn – returned a Labour Mayor at every ballot box in the county bar a few and we have now voted in six MPs as people reject the temporary Tories who promised so much and delivered so little. Residents are sick of Conservatives and those who enable them – let that be a warning to LibDem and Independents in County Hall who abandoned their values to prop up a Tory-led Coalition in 2021. They’re up next to face the scrutiny of the ballot box.
“While we celebrate this election success, we will not be complacent. The Labour effort to win back Durham County Council is already underway and gathering pace every day.”