Starmer claims 'phenomenal result in the North East' for Labour after Kim McGuinness wins mayoral race
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Ms McGuinness ultimately claimed a comfortable victory in the historic election, finishing with more than 40% of the vote and around 60,000 votes clear of second-placed independent Jamie Driscoll.
After the result was declared Sir Keir said: “This is a phenomenal result in the North East. Winning here shows that people have had enough of Conservative chaos and are ready for change.
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Hide Ad“We have run a positive campaign here, focused on delivering for the region after years of the Tories taking the public for granted. Mayor Kim McGuinness will work tirelessly to deliver better transport, good quality homes, safer streets, and better opportunities for all.
“To everyone in the North East who put their trust in the Labour Party at this election, we will not let you down. It is time for change, and we will work hard to deliver it.”
Anything less than a victory for Ms McGuinness would have been a significant embarrassment for Labour, while the party came up short in its attempt to oust Tory mayor Ben Houchen in the Tees Valley.
Mr Driscoll was deeply critical of Labour after falling short in his effort to cause a “political earthquake.”
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Hide AdHe said: “The story that is not going to get reported is that an independent without any Westminster machine has come a thundering second.
"I believe Britain should be run in the interest of the people who do the work and I would love for the Labour Party to be in that place. Sadly it is not."
“What we are going to see later this year is a Labour government that is backing a two-child benefit cap, that has broken its promise to reopen the Leamside Line, and that might even let our councils go bust.
“We have built a terrific network now. We have more activists out than Labour did because people are unhappy with Westminster politics.”
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Hide AdThe sitting North of Tyne mayor, whose current job will now be abolished, was barred from standing in a Labour selection contest for the larger mayoral area last year amid a controversy surrounding an appearance he made on stage with film director Ken Loach.