Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer visits Hartlepool to back party's MP by-election candidate

The Labour leader will be in town on Tuesday, March 30, ahead of polling day on Thursday, May 6.

The by-election was sparked by the resignation of Mike Hill earlier this month – he has not commented on the reason for his departure.

Mr Hill retained his position in the 2019 General Election with a majority of 3,595, less than half his winning margin in 2017 of 7,650.

Dr Williams, who was confirmed as Labour’s candidate two days after Mr Hill stepped down, has worked at The University Hospital of Hartlepool on the frontline of the Covid pandemic.

Since being selected, he has continued to work in Covid clinics alongside his campaigning.

Sir Keir and Dr Williams will visit Hartlepool’s EDF Energy-owned nuclear power station in support of protecting and creating good, well-paid jobs in the area.

The party has also said with the Liberty Steel plant in Brenda Road at risk, is has called for a ‘Plan B’ from the Government to safeguard jobs and domestic steel-making capacity, and secure the site’s long-term future.

Ahead of his visit, Sir Keir said: “Dr Paul has been on the frontline during this pandemic.

"He knows first-hand how the Conservatives are letting down the NHS.

"They neglected the NHS and it went into this crisis without the support it needed.

“The Tory record here is dismal, and people need to look at what they have actually done over the past decade.

"When they came to power there was an A&E in Hartlepool, a magistrates’ court in the town, and a full custody suite at the police station.

"That has all gone and people feel that sense of loss.

“Dr Paul will be a tireless champion for the great town of Hartlepool.

"He understands the issues people care about and shares their concerns.

"He’ll be fighting for local hospital services, for jobs in the town, and police on the streets.”

Dr Williams added: “It will be great to show Keir around Hartlepool, it’s a great town with a bright future.

"But we need more good well paid jobs here and to keep the ones we have.

"The Labour Party is under new leadership nationally and locally and people are looking at Labour again.”

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