Labour Suffers Significant Losses in North East as Reform UK Makes Gains
A dramatic shift in the political landscape of the North East has seen Labour suffer significant losses in the region, with Reform UK making substantial gains. According to reports from The Northern Echo, Reform UK swept to a dominant victory in County Durham, claiming 65 of the council’s 98 seats.
This significant loss for Labour is particularly notable given that the party had controlled the council for 100 years until 2021. In Northumberland, Labour was overtaken by Reform UK and slipped into third place, while in North Tyneside, Labour only just clung on to the mayoralty. The Northern Echo reports that Mayor Kim McGuinness expressed her disappointment at the results, saying: "A huge congratulations to Karen Clark who will be fantastic as North Tyneside Mayor. It’s great to see she also wants to increase well-paid jobs, improve skills and create more opportunities for young people and I look forward to working together on this."
Ms McGuinness also acknowledged the loss of Labour councillors in Durham and Northumberland, stating: "It’s sad to see some great councillors go and I’m disappointed more of our Labour candidates weren’t elected across Durham and Northumberland. The Government must take time to listen to the concerns we’re hearing repeatedly on the doorsteps." Despite the setbacks, Ms McGuinness remains committed to working cross-party to deliver for the region, highlighting her achievements since being elected last year, including signing off £208 million for transport improvements and launching a Child Poverty Reduction Unit.
The results mark a significant departure from the general election of last July, when Labour won 26 of the 27 constituencies across the North East and Tees Valley. The party’s decline has been attributed to various factors, including public backlashes over issues like cuts to the winter fuel allowance, a proposed squeeze on benefits including PIP, and changes to inheritance tax that have enraged farmers. As The Northern Echo notes, Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership has already prompted significant public concern.
Reform UK’s gains in the region are set to have significant implications for the North East’s governance. Since being elected last year, Ms McGuinness has worked alongside a cabinet made up of the leaders of councils in Northumberland, Durham, and Tyne and Wear. However, with Reform UK’s surge in popularity, the party will now also have a seat at the top table, potentially altering the dynamics of regional decision-making.
As the North East continues to grapple with the implications of these results, The Northern Echo reports that Ms McGuinness remains determined to continue delivering for the region, saying: "However, I’m as determined as ever to continue to work cross-party to keep delivering for our amazing region and creating real opportunity in the North East. I’ve already signed off £208 million for transport improvements, launched a Child Poverty Reduction Unit, and invested £50 million to support people with disabilities and health conditions back into work, with plenty more still to come."
