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
13. John Prescott (Reform UK)
Mr Prescott, an IT consultant who runs an online gift business, says to voters: "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.” Photo: Frank Reid
14. Thelma Walker (Northern Independence Party)
The former Labour MP for Colne Valley, who will be the Northern Independence Party’s first Parliamentary election candidate, aims to help "end the north south economic divide and to reject Westminster control for the whole of our northern region". Photo: Tony Johnson
15. Ralph Ward-Jackson (Independent)
Mr Ward-Jackson, a great nephew of Hartlepool politician Ralph Ward-Jackson, says: “Without safe streets and basic infrastructure, companies will simply not invest in Hartlepool, and much-needed jobs will not be created, which surely must be the number one priority.” Photo: UGC
16. Paul Williams (Labour)
Dr Williams, a GP who was previously Labour MP for Stockton South, insists "the NHS is the number one issue" and adds "People in Hartlepool just want to see really decent quality services again at Hartlepool hospital." Photo: UGC