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.
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