Hartlepool's MP has paid tribute to the council’s departing leader - his wife - after she lost her seat in the local elections and hit out at the “deeply unfair and misogynistic abuse” she has faced.

Council and Labour group leader Pamela Hargreaves was among six Labour councillors to lose their seats as Reform UK won all 12 positions on offer to become the largest party on Hartlepool Borough Council.

Her husband and Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash has paid tribute to her work and stressed he “could not be prouder of her” – while also condemning abuse she has faced.

He said: “No election result can ever diminish the extraordinary contribution she has made to Hartlepool or the dedication she has shown to our town over many years.

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash, main picture, has praised wife Pamela Hargreaves, inset, after she was ousted as leader of Hartlepool Borough Council at the local elections.

placeholder image — Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash, main picture, has praised wife Pamela Hargreaves, inset, after she was ousted as leader of Hartlepool Borough Council at the local elections.

“Pamela has worked tirelessly for people, always driven by a genuine love for Hartlepool and a determination to make it better.

“I know better than anyone the sacrifices she has made in public life, and I also know the hurt caused by some of the deeply unfair and misogynistic abuse she has faced simply because she is married to me.”

He added: “That treatment has been disgraceful and beneath the standards our town should uphold.”

Labour’s Mr Brash highlighted how his wife carried out the role of council leader “without taking a penny for doing so” – as she did not receive a special responsibility allowance for the position – and did the job “because she believed in serving the town she loves”.

He added she will continue her work as chair of Hartlepool Development Corporation and serving on the Town Board, along with running her business.

Mr Brash concluded: “One election result does not define Pamela, and it certainly does not end her contribution to Hartlepool.

“Her commitment to this town has never been about titles or positions. It comes from the heart.

“Pamela embodies everything that is good about Hartlepool: resilience, loyalty, hard work and pride in community. She is Hartlepool and I could not be prouder of her.”

Mr Brash has also reiterated that he believes the reason that “many decent hardworking Labour councillors and candidates” in Hartlepool lost their elections “lies squarely with Keir Starmer and his failure to inspire confidence in Labour’s direction”.

He has called on the Prime Minister to “now set out a clear timetable for his resignation”.