Hartlepool founder Ralph Ward-Jackson's descendant backing Brexit with bid to become town MP

A descendant and namesake of one of the founders of modern Hartlepool put himself forward as the town’s Brexit Party candidate in the next General Election.
Ralph Ward-Jackson during a visit to the Museum of Hartlepool.Ralph Ward-Jackson during a visit to the Museum of Hartlepool.
Ralph Ward-Jackson during a visit to the Museum of Hartlepool.

Ralph Ward-Jackson, named after his great-great uncle, who founded West Hartlepool, was interviewed by Brexit Party selectors, but lost out to former Hartlepool United chairman Ken Hodcroft.

Mr Ward-Jackson, 48, a businessman based in London, says he would consider standing as an independent candidate if the other pro-Brexit parties backed him.

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He joined the Brexit Party soon after it was formed by ex-Ukip leader Nigel Farage in April.

Mr Ward-Jackson said: “I was so fed up with Theresa May's disastrous government that I joined in pure frustration.

"My family hasn't lived in or near there since the 1940s, but it retains a very special place in our hearts and I make a point to visit every year.

"It doesn't entitle me to anything at all, but having a high name recognition means at least you are going to be listened to. If people decide then not to back you it is up to them.

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"I felt at this time of national crisis I was team Brexit and Hartlepool was a very high Brexit voting town so it felt as if the fates were converging again.

"I don't know anything about Ken Hodcroft. Maybe he's a very fine fellow. He must have quite a high recognition in the constituency as well." Brexit Party chairman Richard Tice said their chosen candidates had all achieved outside of Westminster, having launched successful charities and multi-million-pound business.

Ralph Ward-Jackson’s legacy is still strongly seen in the town having a park, school and several pubs named after him.

He served as a Conservative MP for the town from 1868-1874.

Mr Ward-Jackson added: “I would consider standing as an independent candidate if all three pro-Brexit parties – Brexit Party, Ukip and Conservatives – united behind me.”

Hartlepool had one of the highest leave votes in the country in the 2016 referendum with 69.6%.