Hartlepool General Election 2019 candidate to fight 'tooth and nail' for town's share of £50 billion fund

The Liberal Democrats, who are fighting their campaign on a platform to Stop Brexit to build a brighter future, have earmarked £50 billion to reverse what they see as regional under-investment from the Conservatives.Andy Hagon, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Hartlepool, one of five December 12 challengers to Labour’s stranglehold on the town, said: "For far too long people have seen our area miss out on the investment it needs.

“Successive governments, be they red or blue, have failed to listen to local needs, neglected our public services and hung our community out to dry. "People deserve better. It is vital our that we are not left at the back of the queue."That is why the Liberal Democrats are prioritising an ambitious £50 billion regional growth fund.

“If elected, I will fight tooth and nail to ensure a significant sum is invested in Hartlepool."That is the brighter future our communities deserve, not the uncosted promises of the other parties."

Liberal Democrat Shadow Chancellor Ed Davey added: "Any form of Brexit, whether red or blue, will make Britain’s economy weaker and people poorer. “Neither Labour or the Tories can square their spending promises today with the cost of Brexit. They are writing promises on cheques that will bounce.“In contrast, every vote for the Liberal Democrats is a vote to stop Brexit, build a brighter future and invest billions into our vital public services.”

Mr Hagon is seeking to overturn defending Labour candidate Mike Hill’s 7,650 majority from the 2017 General Election.

The other candidates in the Hartlepool constituency are Joe Bousfield (Independent), Kevin Cranney (Socialist Labour), Stefan Richard Houghton (Conservatives) and Richard Tice (Brexit Party).

Mail staff will be at the Hartlepool constituency count throughout Thursday night and Friday morning to bring you the latest reports, reaction, photos and videos on this website.