Council leader says new Hartlepool MP must 'truly wish to serve the town and its residents'

It comes after Mike Hill resigned as Hartlepool’s Labour MP on Tuesday - meaning a by-election will have to take place to elect his successor.

Councillor Shane Moore, Hartlepool Borough Council’s leader, has worked alongside Mr Hill on numerous issues in the region since he was appointed council leader in May 2019.

Cllr Moore said: “I look forward to working with our next Member of Parliament and hope that anyone considering putting their name forward is doing so because they truly wish to serve this town and our residents, whilst working alongside Hartlepool Borough Council.”

Mr Hill served the town for more than three years after winning the seat at both the 2017 and 2019 General Elections.

Yet a Labour Party spokesman confirmed on Tuesday: “Mike Hill has resigned as Member of Parliament for Hartlepool with immediate effect.”

He has still to offer a public explanation for his sudden departure.

With a by-election now necessary to choose his successor, Hartlepool residents face the prospect for choosing an MP for the fourth time since 2015.

Hartlepool Borough Council elections are already due to take place on Thursday, May 6, where three councillors will be elected to each of 12 newly-created wards, taking the total number of councillors to 36.

Elections will also be taking place on that date for the Tees Valley Combined Authority Mayor and Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner.

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