Hartlepool's new Conservative MP Jill Mortimer says she's 'a little bit overwhelmed' after historic win

Speaking to the Hartlepool Mail just minutes after her victory was confirmed, Jill Mortimer said: "It is still sinking in but I am hugely proud to have been given this fantastic honour by the people of Hartlepool.

"Thank you to them for putting their trust in me. I will do everything I can to repay that trust and bring the town all I have promised - jobs, investment and opportunity."

Speaking at a press conference later, she said she was looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Boris Johnson back to the town: "I have brought Boris three times," she said.

"He has seen everything that can be done here and he, like me, is staggered by how the opportunity has been missed.

"People have not done what they should have done. I will make sure we get Hartlepool sorted."

She promised to begin looking for a home in the constituency as soon as possible: "I will have a home in Hartlepool without doubt," she pledged.

"I will be going to the estate agent probably this weekend.

"I am going to take a breath then have a look around."

Asked about the return of hospital services such as A&E to the town, she said: " I need to talk to the medics, talk to the community. I have met some lovely people who are involved with local hospital groups. Hopefully they will get in touch and we can make a plan and find out what is needed.

"I know maternity is sort of creeping back but I would like to see that. As a mother of three, I know how important it is to have your baby locally, so that is something I would actively support."

Asked about the row over convicted sex offender Christopher Killick standing for election, she said she would support action to prevent a repeat.

"I was really surprised when all that story broke," she said.

"I want to look more into that and see if we can toughen up some legislation to control it because it does not seem right."