Reform UK Hartlepool by-election candidate John Prescott vows to stand up to 'Westminster elite'

Self-employed North East businessman John Prescott was named as Reform UK’s choice to fight the by-election triggered by the sudden resignation of Labour MP Mike Hill.

If elected on May 6, he says he will be a strong voice for Hartlepool in Westminster against the “self serving elite”.

The married father-of-four also pledged to work closely with Hartlepool Borough Council and Tees Valley Mayor to help restart the economy and deliver long term projects that benefit residents.

Mr Prescott was named as Reform UK’s candidate by party leader Richard Rice in an event at Hartlepool Marina on Wednesday, Match 31.

Mr Tice said he thought long and hard about running after standing as the Brexit Party’s Hartlepool candidate in the 2019 General Election but needed to help their numerous local election candidates.

He said: “I made the decision that I shouldn’t stand here but that a great local candidate would stand.

"Someone who grew up for the first three decades of their life in the Teesside area, knows the area backwards and would be a fantastic beacon and advocate for Hartlepool.”

Originally from Eaglescliffe, Mr Prescott, 46, now lives near Houghton-le-Spring, is an IT consultant and runs an online gift business.

He said: “As your MP I will bring honesty and integrity; someone who really cares about you.

"You have a chance to send a clear message to the Westminster elites that we want reform and together we can stand tall as a strong voice putting Hartlepool back on the map.”

Mr Prescott said there were a lot of positive things happening in Hartlepoolincluding its inclusion in a new freeport given the go-ahead by the Government.

He added: “We need to build on that. I very much want to work with the council and whoever wins the Tees Valley Mayor position to make sure we get that fair share of investment.”

Reform UK is campaigning for lower taxes to help businesses and the economy recover from Covid and for no more lockdowns.

Mr Prescott said he is also passionate about creating better opportunities for young people when they finish their education.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.