North East local election 2024 results
Labour candidate Kim McGuinness became the first elected mayor of the North East and will spearhead the region’s devolution deal as head of the combined authority.
McGuinness, who was previously police and crime commissioner for the North East, secured 41.3% of the vote, beating independent Jamie Driscoll, ex-Labour, who won 28.2%. The Conservatives came third.
Conservative Lord Ben Houchen was re-elected as Tees Valley mayor as widely expected although not by all – some Tories fearing he could be a victim of the swing away from the Conservatives. He polled nearly 54% to Labour’s Chris McEwan’s 41%.
Labour has regained control of Hartlepool. Out of the 12 seats contested, Labour won nine and independents claimed two.
The Conservatives formerly controlled the council in a coalition with independent and Independent Union members. The Conservatives held one of the seats contested.
Labour’s Cllr Brenda Harrison becomes the first female council leader of Hartlepool.
Labour held Gateshead, where one third of the 66 seats were up for election.
The only change from 2021 was Labour losing a seat to the Liberal Democrats. Labour retains 48 councillors overall to Lib Dems’ 18.
Across the River Tyne in Newcastle, Labour also remains in control despite a mixed poll for the party. The Labour group lost two seats overall and there were gains for the Greens which won two places in the council, and the Conservatives who picked up one ward – its only in the borough and the first for more than 30 years.
Labour has 45 councillors out of 78 in Newcastle City council.
Sunderland was a strengthened Labour hold and major defeat for the Conservatives. Labour gained six seats and moved to 53 overall out of 75. The Conservatives lost five, Lib Dems lost one.
Despite seeing 10 councillors voted out, Labour remains in control of South Tyneside council. The party won just four out of 18 seats up for election. Independents and others gained nine, Greens two. The Conservatives lost their only place on the council.
