Polling stations are due to open at 7am on Thursday, May 6, for the first Parliamentary by-election since the Tories’ nationwide win at the 2019 General Election. Here is the complete list of 16 candidates aiming to replace Labour’s Mike Hill, who resigned suddenly in March, as well as a flavour of their own messages to voters.
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The 16 candidates standing in the upcoming Hartlepool by-election. Photo: JPIMedia
. David Bettney (Social Democratic Party)
Mr Bettney, a former solider who works in the oil and gas industry, says: “I’ll work night and day to make sure the Government delivers the investment and services that this town needs to prosper.” Photo: Other 3rd Party
. Hilton Dawson (North East Party)
Mr Dawson, formerly Labour MP for Lancaster and Wyre, helped launch the North East Party in 2014 and says: “I come to this election out of principle, to make the case for devolved democracy and fair taxation.” Photo: UGC
. Nick Delves (Official Monster Raving Loony Party)
Mr Delves, also known as The Incredible Flying Brick, says: "I think we want to move the Houses of Parliament up to Hartlepool because that would make Parliament a more friendly place." Photo: Other 3rd Party
. Gemma Evans (Women's Equality Party)
Ms Evans says domestic violence is a “huge, huge problem” nationwide and is calling on authorities to be held to account to help ensure victims' safety, adding: "“Harassment and violence is just something that all women are experiencing and we’ve just had enough.” Photo: UGC
. Rachel Featherstone (Green Party)
University lecturer Ms Featherstone says: "Hartlepool needs the kind of transformation that a Green recovery could bring. But, while other parties claim to be committed to such a recovery, real Green policies need real Green politicians with a clear vision." Photo: Other 3rd Party
. Adam Gaines (Independent)
Mr Gaines, who owns Rosie's pub, on Hartlepool Marina, says: “I’ve pledged to give at least half the MP salary to food banks to help support them because I know they are struggling with the increased demand.” Photo: FRANK REID 2020
. Andy Hagon (Liberal Democrats)
The Hartlepool-born school teacher stood for the Liberal Democrats in Hartlepool at the 2017 and 2019 General Elections and says: "I truly understand the frustration of all Hartlepudlians who want more change and opportunities in their local community." Photo: UGC
9. Chris Killick (Independent)
Mr Killick, who lives in Hartlepool, aims "to improve political discourse, trust and participation", adding: “If I am elected MP in Hartlepool I will help others and encourage success.” Photo: Other 3rd Party
10. Samantha Lee (Independent)
Hartlepool-born Miss Lee, a former sports journalist at the Hartlepool Mail who went on to start her own PR firm, says: “Right now, there’s industry growing all around us and we are missing out because no one is standing up for us." Photo: Submitted
11. Claire Martin (Heritage Party)
Mrs Martin, who lives in Hartlepool, said her priorities include bringing services back to the University Hospital of Hartlepool, adding: ""People want to see a presence of police on the streets, and they want the cells open as well." Photo: Other 3rd Party
12. Jill Mortimer (Conservatives)
Ms Mortimer, who is aiming to become the town's first Conservative MP since 1964, is a North Yorkshire farmer and councillor and says: "I want to make sure this town is at the centre of the post-pandemic recovery by creating more jobs and apprenticeships and attracting extra investment." Photo: Other 3rd Party