Hartlepool needs 'grown up' politics say Labour in new plea to Tory Mayor

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Labour councillors have written to the Tees Valley Mayor as part of their bid to "put party politics aside" for the better of residents across Hartlepool.

The party’s new leadership team in town has written to Ben Houchen Conservative Mayor of the Tees Valley, to congratulate him on his re-election in May.

They have also invited him to come and meet with Labour councillors as part of their pledge following the local elections to put party politics aside.

Mr Houchen said he is pleased Labour are backing his plans for the town, which are “delivering investment and jobs for local people”.

Hartlepool Labour councillors Brenda Harrison and Jonathan Brash.

In their letter to Mr Houchen, the Labour Group said party politics “cannot and must not” get in the way of progress and offered their support in working together towards the “common goal of a better, more prosperous future” for Hartlepool.

The leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Brenda Harrison, said Hartlepool needs “grown up” politics and everyone to work together for the good of the town.

She said: “Residents are absolutely sick and tired of the same old party politics and instead want all politicians to work together towards the common goal of improving our communities.

“Whatever our disagreements, we need to put the people first. We need a more grown up type of politics in Hartlepool.”

Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen.

Hartlepool Borough Council is again being run by a coalition between Conservative and Independent councillors, with Labour having 11 elected members.

Cllr Jonathan Brash, the Labour group’s deputy leader, added they are looking forward to working with Mr Houchen.

He said: “Jobs, investment, bringing down unemployment, tackling poverty and putting more money in the pockets of Hartlepool people are all ambitions on which we can surely agree.

“Let’s put party politics aside and improve our town together. I am sure Mayor Houchen feels the same way.”

Mayor Houchen has said he is pleased Labour’s position and he hopes they will also support Hartlepool’s new Conservative MP Jill Mortimer.

He said: “I’m pleased that the Labour Party in Hartlepool are backing my plans for the town, a plan that is delivering investment and jobs for local people and local workers.

“I also look forward to Labour supporting Hartlepool’s new Conservative MP as she delivers for the town.”