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Hill is due to face an employment tribunal later in the year following allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation.<ref name="Hill resignation"/> Hill was suspended from the Labour Party in September 2019 over allegations of sexual harassment but reinstated in October 2019.<ref name="Hill PA">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/22/labour-mp-mike-hill-suspended-over-claims-of-sexual-harassment |title=Labour MP Mike Hill suspended over claims of sexual harassment |last=Press Association |author-link=Press Association |date=22 September 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref> In January 2020 Hill's request for anonymity was turned down in an upcoming [[employment tribunal]] related to the accusations. The alleged victim stated that she had also made a report to the [[Metropolitan Police]] at the time of the original accusations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/22/labour-mp-fails-in-bid-to-remain-anonymous-in-sexual-assault-case|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Labour MP accused of sexual assault fails in anonymity bid|first=Ben|last=Quinn|date=22 January 2020|accessdate=22 January 2020}}</ref> On 16 March 2021, Hill announced his resignation with immediate effect.<ref name="Hill resignation"/>
Hill is due to face an employment tribunal later in the year following allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation.<ref name="Hill resignation"/> Hill was suspended from the Labour Party in September 2019 over allegations of sexual harassment but reinstated in October 2019.<ref name="Hill PA">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/22/labour-mp-mike-hill-suspended-over-claims-of-sexual-harassment |title=Labour MP Mike Hill suspended over claims of sexual harassment |last=Press Association |author-link=Press Association |date=22 September 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref> In January 2020 Hill's request for anonymity was turned down in an upcoming [[employment tribunal]] related to the accusations. The alleged victim stated that she had also made a report to the [[Metropolitan Police]] at the time of the original accusations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/22/labour-mp-fails-in-bid-to-remain-anonymous-in-sexual-assault-case|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Labour MP accused of sexual assault fails in anonymity bid|first=Ben|last=Quinn|date=22 January 2020|accessdate=22 January 2020}}</ref> On 16 March 2021, Hill announced his resignation with immediate effect.<ref name="Hill resignation"/>


{{short description|2021 UK parliament by-election}}
==Candidates and timetable==
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Infobox election
| election_name = 2021 Hartlepool by-election
| type = parliamentary
| seats_for_election = [[Hartlepool (UK Parliament constituency)|Hartlepool]] constituency
| ongoing = yes
| previous_election = 2019 United Kingdom general election
| previous_year = 2019
| next_election = Next United Kingdom general election
| next_year = ''Next''
| election_date = 6 May 2021
| candidate1 =
| image1 =
| party1 =
| last_election1 =
| popular_vote1 =
| percentage1 =
| candidate2 =
| image2 =
| party2 =
| last_election2 =
| popular_vote2 =
| percentage2 =
| candidate3 =
| image3 =
| party3 =
| last_election3 =
| popular_vote3 =
| percentage3 =
| map_image = Hartlepool2007Constituency.svg
| map_size = 250px
| map_caption = Location of [[Hartlepool (UK Parliament constituency)|Hartlepool]] within former [[Cleveland (county)|Cleveland]]
| title = [[Member of Parliament|MP]]
| posttitle =
| before_election = [[Mike Hill (British politician)|Mike Hill]]
| before_party = [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]
| after_election =
| after_party =
}}


The '''2021 Hartlepool by-election''' is a [[by-election]] to be held in the UK parliamentary constituency of [[Hartlepool (UK Parliament constituency)|Hartlepool]] following the resignation of the sitting [[Member of Parliament (United Kingdom)|Member of Parliament]] (MP), [[Mike Hill (British politician)|Mike Hill]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://labourlist.org/2021/03/mike-hill-quits-as-labour-mp-for-hartlepool-with-immediate-effect/|title=Mike Hill quits as Labour MP for Hartlepool with immediate effect|last=Rodgers|first=Sienna|date=16 March 2021|work=LabourList|access-date=16 March 2021}}</ref> It will be held on 6 May 2021 alongside [[2021 United Kingdom local elections|elections]] to the [[2021 Hartlepool Borough Council election|Borough Council]], [[2021 Tees Valley mayoral election|Tees Valley Mayor]], and [[2021 England and Wales police and crime commissioner elections#Cleveland Police|Cleveland Police and Crimes Commissioner]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/hartlepool-voters-to-go-to-the-polls-for-four-elections-on-the-same-day-3184167|title=Hartlepool voters to go to the polls for four elections on the same day|last=Marko|first=Nic|date=31 March 2021|work=LabourList|access-date=5 April 2021}}</ref> The seat is considered to be in the [[Red wall (British politics)|red wall]], a set of constituencies that historically supported the Labour Party but where the party is being challenged by increasing Conservative support.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hartlepool-byelection-labour-paul-williams-b1819503.html|title=Labour fears of losing Hartlepool grow ahead of ‘defining’ red wall by-election|date=21 March 2021|website=The Independent}}</ref>
<!-- CANDIDATES ARE LISTED IN BALLOT PAPER ORDER, THAT IS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY SURNAME. -->
The following candidates are standing. The full list of candidates was published on 8 April 2021.<ref name = SOPN>{{cite web | date = 8 April 2021 | title = Notice of poll Statement of persons nominated and Situation of polling stations | url = https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/6825/notice_of_poll_statement_of_persons_nominated_and_situation_of_polling_stations.pdf | access-date = 8 April 2021 | website = [[Hartlepool Borough Council]] | language = en-GB | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210408172623/https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/6825/notice_of_poll_statement_of_persons_nominated_and_situation_of_polling_stations.pdf
| archive-date = 2021-04-08}}</ref>


This will be the first by-election to the [[List of MPs elected in the 2019 United Kingdom general election|58th parliament]], which was elected in [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019]].<ref name="Hill resignation">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-56416603|title=Mike Hill: Hartlepool MP quits 'with immediate effect'|work=[[BBC News]]|date=16 March 2021|access-date=16 March 2021}}</ref> The 21-month gap between the last by-election in [[2019 Brecon and Radnorshire by-election|Brecon and Radnorshire]] in August 2019 and the polling day of the by-election in Hartlepool will be the longest since [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 March 2021|title=New post-war record for longest period since parliamentary by-election|url=https://www.theneweuropean.co.uk/brexit-news/westminster-news/by-election-delay-covid-19-7796406|access-date=16 March 2021|website=The New European|language=en-UK}}</ref>
{{Election box begin |title=[[2021 Hartlepool by-election]]<ref name= SOPN />

==Background==

=== Constituency ===
Hartlepool, named after the [[Hartlepool|town of the same name]], has been held by the Labour Party since [[1964 United Kingdom general election|1964]]. The seat includes the town of Hartlepool itself and the nearby villages of [[Hart, County Durham|Hart]], [[Elwick, County Durham|Elwick]], [[Greatham, County Durham|Greatham]], [[Newton Bewley]] and [[Dalton Piercy]].

In the [[2016 United Kingdom European Union membership referendum|2016 European Union membership referendum]], the [[Hartlepool Borough Council|Hartlepool Council area]], which covers the same area as the constituency, voted 69.6% to 30.4% to [[Brexit|leave the European Union]] (EU).<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=MattSingh_|last=Singh|first=Matt|number=1371807921915432962|title=#Hartlepoolbyelection fun fact: The seat is coterminous with the council area, so we know the exact EU referendum result (69.56833% Leave 30.43167% Remain)|date=16 March 2021}}</ref>
[[File:Greatham, Hartlepool, UK.jpg|thumb|255x255px|[[Greatham, County Durham]].]]

=== History ===
Former MPs have included [[Royal Navy]] officer [[John Kerans]] and former cabinet minister [[Peter Mandelson]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Katie|date=17 March 2021|title=From war hero to 'Prince of darkness': Hartlepool MPs timeline|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/war-hero-prince-darkness-timeline-20197060|access-date=19 March 2021|website=TeessideLive|language=en}}</ref>

The [[2004 Hartlepool by-election|2004 by-election]] saw a huge swing to the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]], while the [[UK Independence Party]] came in a close second place at the [[2015 United Kingdom general election|2015 general election]].

Hill is due to face an employment tribunal later in the year following allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation.<ref name="Hill resignation"/> Hill was suspended from the Labour Party in September 2019 over allegations of sexual harassment but reinstated in October 2019.<ref name="Hill PA">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2019/sep/22/labour-mp-mike-hill-suspended-over-claims-of-sexual-harassment |title=Labour MP Mike Hill suspended over claims of sexual harassment |last=Press Association |author-link=Press Association |date=22 September 2019 |work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=22 September 2019}}</ref> In January 2020 Hill's request for anonymity was turned down in an upcoming [[employment tribunal]] related to the accusations. The alleged victim stated that she had also made a report to the [[Metropolitan Police]] at the time of the original accusations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2020/jan/22/labour-mp-fails-in-bid-to-remain-anonymous-in-sexual-assault-case|work=[[The Guardian]]|title=Labour MP accused of sexual assault fails in anonymity bid|first=Ben|last=Quinn|date=22 January 2020|accessdate=22 January 2020}}</ref> On 16 March 2021, Hill announced his resignation with immediate effect.<ref name="Hill resignation"/>

==Candidates and timetable==

<!-- CANDIDATES ARE LISTED IN BALLOT PAPER ORDER, THAT IS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY SURNAME. CANDIDATES ADDED WITHOUT CITATIONS MAY BE REMOVED. -->
The following candidates have been reported as intending to stand. The full list of candidates will be published on 8 April 2021.
{{Election box begin |title=[[2021 Hartlepool by-election]]
}}
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Social Democratic Party (UK, 1990–present)|candidate=David Bettney|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Social Democratic Party (UK, 1990–present)|candidate=David Bettney<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/sdp-candidate-at-hartlepool-by-election-promises-to-work-night-and-day-for-town-if-elected-3182277|title=SDP candidate at Hartlepool by-election promises to work 'night and day' for town if elected|work=Hartlepool Mail|date=29 March 2021|accessdate=29 March 2021}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Official Monster Raving Loony Party|candidate=The Incredible Flying Brick|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=North East Party|candidate=[[Hilton Dawson]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://sunderlandglobalmedia.com/2021/03/24/the-north-east-party-reveals-hilton-dawson-as-hartlepool-by-election-candidate/|title=The North East Party Reveals Hilton Dawson as Hartlepool By-election Candidate|work=Sunderland Global Media|date=24 March 2021|accessdate=24 March 2021}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=North East Party|candidate=[[Hilton Dawson]]|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Official Monster Raving Loony Party|candidate=Nick Delves<ref name="loony" />|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Women's Equality Party|candidate=Gemma Evans|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Women's Equality Party|candidate=Gemma Evans<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hartlepool-byelection-womens-equality-party-b1820628.html|title='We can’t let politicians get away with inaction': Hartlepool by-election candidate demands action on tackling violence against women and girls|date=22 March 2021|work=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=24 March 2021|last=Tidman|first=Zoe}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent (politician)|candidate=Adam Gaines<ref name="HartMailInd">{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/hartlepool-pub-owner-joins-by-election-race-and-pledges-to-donate-half-mps-salary-to-food-banks-3186846|title=Hartlepool pub owner joins by-election race and pledges to donate half MP's salary to food banks|date=2 April 2021|work=[[Hartlepool Mail]]|accessdate=2 April 2021|last=Marko|first=Nic}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Green Party of England and Wales|candidate=Rachel Featherstone|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent (politician)|candidate=Adam Gaines|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Liberal Democrats (UK)|candidate=Andy Hagon<ref name="bbclibdem"/>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent (politician)|candidate=Samantha Lee<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/19212128.hartlepool-mam-stand-independent-mp-by-election/|title=Hartlepool mam to stand as Independent MP for by-election|work=Northern Echo|date=6 April 2021|accessdate=9 April 2021}}</ref><ref>https://www.facebook.com/SamLeeforMP/</ref><ref>https://wikitacticalvoting.miraheze.org/wiki/Hartlepool#Candidates_and_timetable</ref> |votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Liberal Democrats (UK)|candidate=Andrew Hagon|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Freedom Alliance (UK)|candidate=Steve Jack|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Conservative Party (UK)|candidate=Jill Mortimer<ref name="JillMortimerCon">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-56549471|title=Farmer to stand for Conservatives in Hartlepool by-election|date=27 March 2021|work=[[BBC News]]|accessdate=5 April 2021}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Reform UK|candidate=John Prescott<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davidson |first1=Peter |title=John Prescott to stand in by-election for Reform UK party |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/john-prescott-stand-election-reform-23828081 |access-date=31 March 2021 |publisher=Daily Record |date=31 March 2021}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate|party=''No description''|candidate=Chris Killick|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Northern Independence Party<!-- Please do not change to Independent without a source saying she is standing as an independent. See talk. -->|candidate=[[Thelma Walker]]{{efn|The NIP's initial application to the [[Electoral Commission (United Kingdom)|Electoral Commission]] was rejected as incomplete on 2 March. A further application was submitted on 24 March, and remains undecided as of 6 April.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Party registration decisions |url=https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/party-registration-applications/party-registration-decisions |access-date=30 March 2021 |website=www.electoralcommission.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=View current applications|url=https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/party-registration-applications/view-current-applications|access-date=2021-04-04|website=www.electoralcommission.org.uk|language=en}}</ref> If the application is unsuccessful, the party name will not be able to appear on the ballot paper.}}<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/02/past-and-present-labour-mps-square-off-in-hartlepool|title=Past and present Labour MPs square off in Hartlepool|last=Wolfe-Robinson|first=Maya|date=2 April 2021|work=The Guardian|access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent (politician)|candidate=Sam Lee|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Labour Party (UK)|candidate=[[Paul Williams (Labour politician)|Paul Williams]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-56451330|title=Labour unveils ex-Stockton South MP for Hartlepool seat|work=[[BBC News]]|date=19 March 2021|accessdate=22 March 2021}}</ref>|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|
party=Heritage Party (UK)|candidate=Claire Martin|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Conservative Party (UK)|candidate=Jill Mortimer|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Reform UK|candidate=John Prescott{{efn|Not the [[John Prescott|Labour politician with the same name]].}}|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent (politician)|candidate=[[Thelma Walker]]|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Independent politician|candidate=W. Ralph Ward-Jackson|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Labour Party (UK)|candidate=[[Paul Williams (Labour politician)|Paul Williams]]|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box majority|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box majority|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box turnout|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
{{Election box turnout|votes=|percentage=|change=}}
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{{Election box end}}
{{Election box end}}


NHS doctor and former MP [[Paul Williams (Labour politician)|Paul Williams]] was selected on 18 March as the Labour candidate.<ref name="PaulWilliamsLab">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-56451330|title=Labour unveils ex-Stockton South MP for Hartlepool seat|work=[[BBC News]]|date=19 March 2021|accessdate=22 March 2021}}</ref> Williams represented the nearby constituency of [[Stockton South (UK Parliament constituency)|Stockton South]] but [[List of MPs who lost their seat in the 2019 United Kingdom general election|lost his seat]] at the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 election]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blackburne|first=Elaine|date=18 March 2021|title=Former MP Dr Paul Williams will fight for Labour in by-election|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/former-teesside-mp-dr-paul-20209447|access-date=18 March 2021|website=TeessideLive|language=en}}</ref> He had been standing for the position of [[Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner]], to be elected in May 2021, but withdrew from that contest in order to stand in Hartlepool.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-56451330|title=Labour unveils ex-Stockton South MP for Hartlepool seat|date=18 March 2021|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Labour was criticised for the conduct of its selection process, which gave candidates one day to submit application papers. An unnamed Labour MP accused Labour's leadership of a "stitch-up", and alleged that the speed of Labour's selection had disadvantaged local party members.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Proctor|first=Kate|date=17 March 2021|title=Labour Accused Of A Candidate 'Stitch-Up' Over Hartlepool By-Election Timetable|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/labour-accused-of-a-candidate-stichup-over-hartlepool-byelection-timetable|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Politics Home|language=en}}</ref> Labour leader [[Keir Starmer]] said that the local party had written to Labour headquarters to identify Williams as their preferred choice.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Courea |first1=Eleni |title=Keir Starmer rebukes Labour’s Hartlepool by-election candidate |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/keir-starmer-rebukes-labour-s-hartlepool-by-election-candidate-paul-williams-bgznps3mx |access-date=28 March 2021 |work=The Times |date=22 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref> While Williams was a vocal advocate of a second referendum on EU membership, the constituency of Hartlepool supported Brexit by almost 70%, leading to criticism after he deleted his pro-EU tweets before his candidacy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dr Paul Williams announced as Labour's candidate for Hartlepool by-election after resignation of Mike Hill|url=https://news.sky.com/story/dr-paul-williams-announced-as-labours-candidate-for-hartlepool-by-election-after-resignation-of-mike-hill-12250091|last=McGuinness|first=Alan|date=18 March 2021|website=Sky News|language=en}}</ref>
NHS doctor and former MP [[Paul Williams (Labour politician)|Paul Williams]] was selected on 18 March as the Labour candidate.<ref>{{Cite tweet|number=1372616055512829954|date=18 March 2021|access-date=18 March 2021|title=Congratulations to Dr Paul Williams, Labour's candidate for Hartlepool.|user=LabourNorth|author=Labour North|language=en}}</ref> Williams represented the nearby constituency of [[Stockton South (UK Parliament constituency)|Stockton South]] but [[List of MPs who lost their seat in the 2019 United Kingdom general election|lost his seat]] at the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 election]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blackburne|first=Elaine|date=18 March 2021|title=Former MP Dr Paul Williams will fight for Labour in by-election|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/former-teesside-mp-dr-paul-20209447|access-date=18 March 2021|website=TeessideLive|language=en}}</ref> He had been standing for the position of [[Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner]], to be elected in May 2021, but withdrew from that contest in order to stand in Hartlepool.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-56451330|title=Labour unveils ex-Stockton South MP for Hartlepool seat|date=18 March 2021|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref> Labour was criticised for the conduct of its selection process, which gave candidates one day to submit application papers. An unnamed Labour MP accused Labour's leadership of a "stitch-up", and alleged that the speed of Labour's selection had disadvantaged local party members.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Proctor|first=Kate|date=17 March 2021|title=Labour Accused Of A Candidate 'Stitch-Up' Over Hartlepool By-Election Timetable|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/labour-accused-of-a-candidate-stichup-over-hartlepool-byelection-timetable|access-date=18 March 2021|website=Politics Home|language=en}}</ref> Labour leader [[Keir Starmer]] said that the local party had written to Labour headquarters to identify Williams as their preferred choice.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Courea |first1=Eleni |title=Keir Starmer rebukes Labour’s Hartlepool by-election candidate |url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/keir-starmer-rebukes-labour-s-hartlepool-by-election-candidate-paul-williams-bgznps3mx |access-date=28 March 2021 |work=The Times |date=22 March 2021 |language=en}}</ref> While Williams was a vocal advocate of a second referendum on EU membership, the constituency of Hartlepool supported Brexit by almost 70%, leading to criticism after he deleted his pro-EU tweets before his candidacy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Dr Paul Williams announced as Labour's candidate for Hartlepool by-election after resignation of Mike Hill|url=https://news.sky.com/story/dr-paul-williams-announced-as-labours-candidate-for-hartlepool-by-election-after-resignation-of-mike-hill-12250091|last=McGuinness|first=Alan|date=18 March 2021|website=Sky News|language=en}}</ref>


On 17 March, [[Reform UK]] Leader [[Richard Tice]], who contested the seat in 2019, told [[LBC]] that the party intends to stand a candidate.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 March 2021|title=Richard Tice 'actively considering' standing in Hartlepool by-election|url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/iain-dale/richard-tice-actively-considering-standing-hartlepool-by-election-reform/|access-date=4 April 2021|website=[[LBC]]|language=en}}</ref> On 31 March, the party selected businessman John Prescott (no relation to the [[John Prescott|former deputy prime minister]]) as their candidate. He was the party's candidate for Stockton South in the 2019 election, under its previous name of the Brexit Party.<ref name="JohnPrescottRUK">{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2021-03-31/john-prescott-not-that-one-named-as-reform-uk-candidate-for-hartlepool|title=John Prescott (not that one) named as Reform UK candidate for Hartlepool|date=31 March 2021|website=ITV News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Davidson |first1=Peter |title=John Prescott to stand in by-election for Reform UK party |url=https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/john-prescott-stand-election-reform-23828081 |access-date=31 March 2021 |work=Daily Record |date=31 March 2021}}</ref>
On 17 March, the [[UK Independence Party]] (UKIP) announced their intention to stand a candidate.<ref>{{Cite web|date=17 March 2021|title=UKIP To Contest Hartlepool Seat After Labour MP Stands Down|url=https://www.politicalite.com/latest/exclusive-ukip-to-contest-hartlepool-seat-after-labour-mp-stands-down/|access-date=24 March 2021|website=politicalite|language=en-GB}}</ref> The same day, the [[Northern Independence Party]] announced their intention to contest the by-election.<ref>{{Cite web|date=16 March 2021|title=North of England independence party to stand in Hartlepool by-election|url=https://nation.cymru/news/north-of-england-independence-party-to-stand-in-hartlepool-by-election/|access-date=16 March 2021|website=[[Nation.Cymru]]|language=en-GB}}</ref> Later in March they selected as their candidate former Labour MP [[Thelma Walker]], who represented the [[West Yorkshire]] constituency of [[Colne Valley (UK Parliament constituency)|Colne Valley]] but [[List of MPs who lost their seat in the 2019 United Kingdom general election|lost her seat]] at the [[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 election]].<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-56564940|title=Ex-MP to stand for Northern Independence party in by-election|date=29 March 2021|access-date=29 March 2021|work=BBC News}}</ref>


On 17 March, [[Reform UK]] Leader [[Richard Tice]], who contested the seat in 2019, told [[LBC]] that the party intends to stand a candidate.<ref>{{cite news|date=17 March 2021|title=Richard Tice 'actively considering' standing in Hartlepool by-election|url=https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/iain-dale/richard-tice-actively-considering-standing-hartlepool-by-election-reform/|access-date=4 April 2021|website=[[LBC]]|language=en}}</ref> On 31 March, the party selected businessman John Prescott (no relation to the [[John Prescott|former deputy prime minister]]) as their candidate. He was the party's candidate for Stockton South in the 2019 election, under its previous name of the Brexit Party.<ref>{{cite news|date=31 March 2021|title=John Prescott (not that one) named as Reform UK candidate for Hartlepool|url=https://www.itv.com/news/tyne-tees/2021-03-31/john-prescott-not-that-one-named-as-reform-uk-candidate-for-hartlepool|access-date=31 March 2021|website=[[ITV News]]|language=en}}</ref>
On 20 March, the [[Social Democratic Party (UK, 1990–present)|Social Democratic Party]] (SDP) announced their intention to stand in the by-election.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 March 2021|last=Ledwith|first=Gavin|title='Together we will break the stranglehold of the two-party system' says latest party to join by-election battle|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/people/together-we-will-break-the-stranglehold-of-the-two-party-system-says-latest-party-to-join-hartlepool-by-election-battle-3172864|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-20|website=The Hartlepool Mail|language=en}}</ref> On 29 March, the SDP announced that its candidate would be David Bettney, a former [[regimental sergeant major]] in the [[Light Dragoons]].<ref name="DavidBettneySPD">{{cite news|date=29 March 2021|title=SDP candidate at Hartlepool by-election promises to work 'night and day' for town if elected|work=Hartlepool Mail|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/sdp-candidate-at-hartlepool-by-election-promises-to-work-night-and-day-for-town-if-elected-3182277|accessdate=29 March 2021}}</ref> On 22 March, Gemma Evans from the [[Women's Equality Party]] expressed her intention to stand.<ref name="GemmaEvansWEP">{{cite news|title='We can't let politicians get away with inaction': Hartlepool by-election candidate demands action on tackling violence against women and girls|first=Zoe|last=Tidman|date=22 March 2021|accessdate=23 March 2021|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hartlepool-byelection-womens-equality-party-b1820628.html}}</ref> On 24 March, the [[North East Party]] announced that former Labour MP and founding party member [[Hilton Dawson]] would be their candidate for the by-election.<ref name="HiltonDawsonNEP">{{Cite web|date=24 March 2021|title=North East Party reveals Hilton Dawson as Hartlepool By-Election Candidate|url=https://sunderlandglobalmedia.com/2021/03/24/the-north-east-party-reveals-hilton-dawson-as-hartlepool-by-election-candidate|access-date=24 March 2021|website=Sunderland Global Media|language=en-GB}}</ref>


On 26 March, the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] selected farmer and [[Hambleton District]] Cllr Jill Mortimer as their candidate in the by-election.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2021|title=Conservatives announce Jill Mortimer as candidate for Hartlepool by-election|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/19191863.conservatives-announce-jill-mortimer-candidate-hartlepool-by-election/|access-date=26 March 2021|website=The Northern Echo|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-56549471|date=|title= Farmer to stand for Conservatives in Hartlepool by-election|access-date=|website=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> She was previously the Conservative candidate in [[Leeds East (UK Parliament constituency)|Leeds East]] at the 2019 election. Incumbent Conservative [[Tees Valley Mayor]] [[Ben Houchen]] was reportedly unhappy with the choice of candidate due to her not being from the area, declining to endorse Mortimer at the time of her selection.<ref>{{cite news|date=29 March 2021|title=Hartlepool's Tory Candidate Divides Opinion Among Right-Wing Voters|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/article/hartlepools-tory-candidate-divides-opinion-among-rightwing-voters|access-date=6 April 2021|website=PoliticsHome|language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 20 March, the [[Social Democratic Party (UK, 1990–present)|Social Democratic Party]] (SDP) announced that they intend to stand in the by-election.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 March 2021|last=Ledwith|first=Gavin|title='Together we will break the stranglehold of the two-party system' says latest party to join by-election battle|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/people/together-we-will-break-the-stranglehold-of-the-two-party-system-says-latest-party-to-join-hartlepool-by-election-battle-3172864|url-status=live|access-date=2021-03-20|website=The Hartlepool Mail|language=en}}</ref> On 29 March, the SDP announced that its candidate would be David Bettney, a former [[regimental sergeant major]] in the [[Light Dragoons]].<ref>{{cite news|date=29 March 2021|title=SDP candidate at Hartlepool by-election promises to work 'night and day' for town if elected|work=Hartlepool Mail|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/sdp-candidate-at-hartlepool-by-election-promises-to-work-night-and-day-for-town-if-elected-3182277|accessdate=29 March 2021}}</ref> On 22 March, Gemma Evans from the [[Women's Equality Party]] expressed her intention to stand.<ref>{{cite news|title='We can’t let politicians get away with inaction': Hartlepool by-election candidate demands action on tackling violence against women and girls|first=Zoe|last=Tidman|date=22 March 2021|accessdate=23 March 2021|work=The Independent|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/hartlepool-byelection-womens-equality-party-b1820628.html}}</ref> On 24 March, the [[North East Party]] announced that former Labour MP and founding party member [[Hilton Dawson]] would be their candidate for the by-election.<ref>{{Cite web|date=24 March 2021|title=North East Party reveals Hilton Dawson as Hartlepool By-Election Candidate|url=https://sunderlandglobalmedia.com/2021/03/24/the-north-east-party-reveals-hilton-dawson-as-hartlepool-by-election-candidate|access-date=24 March 2021|website=Sunderland Global Media|language=en-GB}}</ref>


On 26 March, the [[Conservative Party (UK)|Conservative Party]] selected farmer and [[Hambleton District]] Cllr Jill Mortimer as their candidate in the by-election.<ref>{{cite news|date=26 March 2021|title=Conservatives announce Jill Mortimer as candidate for Hartlepool by-election|url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/19191863.conservatives-announce-jill-mortimer-candidate-hartlepool-by-election/|access-date=26 March 2021|website=The Northern Echo|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-tees-56549471|date=|title= Farmer to stand for Conservatives in Hartlepool by-election|access-date=|website=bbc.co.uk}}</ref> She was previously the Conservative candidate in [[Leeds East (UK Parliament constituency)|Leeds East]] at the 2019 election.
On 31 March, the [[Official Monster Raving Loony Party]] selected party treasurer Nick "The Incredible Flying Brick" Delves as their candidate.<ref name="loony">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/monster-raving-loony-party-want-to-move-parliament-to-hartlepool-3185467|title=Monster Raving Loony Party 'want to move Parliament to Hartlepool'|last=Marko|first=Nic|date=31 March 2021|work=Hartlepool Mail|access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> On 2 April, local pub owner Adam Gaines announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate.<ref name="HartMailInd">{{cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/hartlepool-pub-owner-joins-by-election-race-and-pledges-to-donate-half-mps-salary-to-food-banks-3186846|title=Hartlepool pub owner joins by-election race and pledges to donate half MP's salary to food banks|date=2 April 2021|work=[[Hartlepool Mail]]|accessdate=2 April 2021|last=Marko|first=Nic}}</ref><ref>

{{cite news|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/pub-owner-stand-hartlepool-election-20292315|title=Pub owner to stand in Hartlepool by-election and promises to donate half MP salary to food banks|date=
On 31 March, the [[Official Monster Raving Loony Party]] selected party treasurer Nick Delves as their candidate.<ref name="loony">{{Cite news|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/monster-raving-loony-party-want-to-move-parliament-to-hartlepool-3185467|title=Monster Raving Loony Party 'want to move Parliament to Hartlepool'|last=Marko|first=Nic|date=31 March 2021|work=Hartlepool Mail|access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref> On 2 April, local pub owner Adam Gaines announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate.<ref name="HartMailInd" />
1 April 2021|work=[[Gazette Live]]|accessdate=6 April 2021|last=Anderson|first=Katie}}</ref>


On 2 April, the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] selected schoolteacher Andy Hagon as their candidate. Hagon was the party's candidate for the constituency in both the 2017 and 2019 elections.<ref name="bbclibdem">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-56609924|title=Hartlepool by-election: Lib Dems reveal Andrew Hagon as candidate|work=[[BBC News]]|date=2 April 2021|access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>
On 2 April, the [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Liberal Democrats]] selected schoolteacher Andy Hagon as their candidate. Hagon was the party's candidate for the constituency in both the 2017 and 2019 elections.<ref name="bbclibdem">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-56609924|title=Hartlepool by-election: Lib Dems reveal Andrew Hagon as candidate|work=[[BBC News]]|date=2 April 2021|access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>
On 9th April Samamtha Lee was announced as the Wiki_Ballot Pick the open source democracy Wiki has supported Richard Tice in December 2019 General election.<ref>https://wikitacticalvoting.miraheze.org/wiki/Hartlepool#Candidates_and_timetable</ref>
== Campaign ==
During the by-election campaign, Labour candidate Paul Williams apologised for previously posting a tweet using the term "Tory [[MILF|MILFs]]" in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-56460823|title=Paul Williams: Labour candidate sorry for 'inappropriate' tweet|date=21 March 2021|via=www.bbc.com}}</ref> He was defended by the [[Leader of the Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party leader]], [[Keir Starmer]], while Labour peer and former shadow Attorney General [[Shami Chakrabarti]] called for him to be replaced "immediately".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/keir-starmer-defends-paul-williams-candidate-comments-b925494.html|title=Starmer defends Hartlepool candidate after 'inappropriate' comment|first=Sophia|last=Sleigh|date=22 March 2021|access-date=22 March 2021|website=www.standard.co.uk}}</ref>

==Opinion polls==

{{legend2|#E6E6E6|Part of a [[Multilevel regression with poststratification|MRP projection]] with other constituencies|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-datatable" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;line-height:14px;"
! rowspan="2"| Pollster
! rowspan="2" |Client
! rowspan="2"| Date(s)<br>conducted
! data-sort-type="number" rowspan="2"| Sample<br>size
! class="unsortable" style="width:50px;"| [[Labour Party (UK)|Lab]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:50px;"| [[Conservative Party (UK)|Con]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:50px;"| [[Reform UK|Ref UK]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:50px;"| [[Liberal Democrats (UK)|Lib Dem]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:50px;"| [[Green Party of England and Wales|Green]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:50px;"| [[Northern Independence Party|NIP]]
! class="unsortable" style="width:50px;"| [[North East Party|NEP]]
! rowspan="2" class="unsortable" style="width:75px;"| Others
! data-sort-type="number" rowspan="2"| Lead
|-
! data-sort-type="number" style="background:{{Labour Party (UK)/meta/color}};"|
! data-sort-type="number" style="background:{{Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color}};"|
! data-sort-type="number" style="background:{{Reform UK/meta/color}};"|
! data-sort-type="number" style="background:{{Liberal Democrats (UK)/meta/color}};"|
! data-sort-type="number" style="background:{{Green Party of England and Wales/meta/color}};"|
! data-sort-type="number" style="background:{{Northern Independence Party/meta/color}};"|
! data-sort-type="number" style="background:{{North East Party/meta/color}};"|
|-
|[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/conservatives-on-course-for-decisive-victory-over-labour-in-hartlepool-by-election-jlg68nmh0 Survation]
|''The Times''
|{{opdrts|29|3|Apr|2021|year}}
|502
|42%
|style="background:#BADEF5;"|'''49%'''
|1%
|1%{{Efn|name=LibDemCandidate|Candidate unspecified, question asked about "a Liberal Democrat candidate".}}
|1%{{Efn|name=GreenCandidate|Candidate unspecified, question asked about "a Green Party candidate".}}
|2%
|<1%
|4%
|style="background:{{Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color}};color:#FFFFFF;"| 7%
|-
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|[https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/in-hartlepool-green-and-brexit-party-voters-threaten-starmers-chances-kd8mfr0bh?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=newsletter_119&utm_medium=email&utm_content=119_12697273&CMP=TNLEmail_2014964_12697273_119 Focaldata]
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|''The Times''
|style="background:#E6E6E6;" {{opdrts|18|21|Mar|2021|year}}
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|5,265{{efn|across 83 constituencies within the North}}
|style="background:#FFCCD9;"|'''39%'''
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|36%
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|9%
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|3%
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|7%
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|–
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|–
|style="background:#E6E6E6;"|6%
|style="background:{{Labour Party (UK)/meta/color}};color:#FFFFFF;"| 3%
|-
| colspan="2" |[[Hartlepool (UK Parliament constituency)|2019 general election]]
|{{opdrts||12|Dec|2019|year}}
| –
|style="background:#FFCCD9;"| '''37.7%'''
|28.9%
|25.8%
|4.1%
| –
| –
| –
|3.4%
|style="background:{{Labour Party (UK)/meta/color}};color:#FFFFFF;"| 8.8%
|}

==2019 result==
{{Election box begin |title=[[2019 United Kingdom general election|2019 general election]]: Hartlepool<ref>{{cite web |title=Hartlepool Parliamentary constituency |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/politics/constituencies/E14000733 |website=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref>
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|
|party = Labour Party (UK)
|candidate = [[Mike Hill (British politician)|Mike Hill]]
|votes = 15,464
|percentage = 37.7
|change = -14.8
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Conservative Party (UK)|candidate=Stefan Houghton|votes=11,869|percentage=28.9|change=-5.3}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Brexit Party|candidate=[[Richard Tice]]|votes=10,603|percentage=25.8|change=''N/A''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Liberal Democrats (UK)|candidate=[[Andy Hagon]]|votes=1,696|percentage=4.1|change=+2.3}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Independent politician|candidate=Joe Bousfield|votes=911|percentage=2.2|change=''N/A''}}
{{Election box candidate with party link||party=Socialist Labour Party (UK)|candidate=Kevin Cranney|votes=494|percentage=1.2|change=''N/A''}}
{{Election box majority|votes=3,595|percentage=8.8|change=-9.5}}
{{Election box turnout|votes=41,037|percentage=57.9|change=-1.3}}
{{Election box hold with party link
|winner = Labour Party (UK)
|swing = -4.8
}}
{{Election box end}}

==See also==
*[[2004 Hartlepool by-election]], an earlier byelection in this constituency
*[[2021 Hartlepool Borough Council election]], simultaneous local council elections
*[[2021 Airdrie and Shotts by-election]], a UK Parliament by-election taking place a week later
* [[2021 Chesham and Amersham by-election]], a UK Parliament by-election triggered around the same time

==Notes==
{{noteslist}}


==References==
On 6 April, former journalist and local businesswoman Samantha Lee announced her intention to stand as an independent candidate lobbying for Hartlepool to be awarded [[Free economic zone|freeport status]].<ref name="LeeInd">{{cite news |title=Hartlepool mam to stand as Independent MP for by-election |url=https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/19212128.hartlepool-mam-stand-independent-mp-by-election/ |access-date=6 April 2021 |work=The Northern Echo |language=en}}</ref>
{{reflist}}


{{By-elections to the 58th UK Parliament|state=collapsed}}
On 7 April, Rachel Featherstone, a lecturer at [[Teesside University]], was selected as the [[Green Party of England and Wales|Green Party]] candidate.<ref name="Teeslivegreen">{{cite web|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/green-party-announce-candidate-hartlepool-20335083|title=Green Party announce candidate for Hartlepool by-election|last=Anderson|first=Katie|work=Teeside Live|date=7 April 2021|access-date=7 April 2021}}</ref> Featherstone was previously her party's candidate for [[Sunderland Central (UK Parliament constituency)|Sunderland Central]] in 2015, 2017, and 2019, and was head of Green Party List in [[North East England (European Parliament constituency)#2019|North East England]] at the 2019 European election.
{{2021 United Kingdom local elections}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Hartlepool by-election, 2021}}
On 8 April, local businessmen Ralph Ward-Jackson, descendent of [[West Hartlepool]] founder and 19th century Conservative MP for the [[The Hartlepools (UK Parliament constituency)|The Hartlepools]] Constituency [[Ralph Ward Jackson]], declared that he had filed to run, citing the town's lack of a hospital and closure of the magistrate court.<ref name="WardJacksonInd">{{cite news |title=Descendant of man who built West Hartlepool joins by-election election race as independent candidate |url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/descendant-of-man-who-built-west-hartlepool-joins-by-election-election-race-as-independent-candidate-3194049|access-date=8 April 2021 |work=The Hartlepool Mail|language=en}}</ref> Ward-Jackson had previously been selected by the local Conservative Party to contest the seat at the 2019 General election, but ultimately withdrew to support the [[Reform UK|Brexit Party]],<ref>{{cite news |title=Why descendant of modern Hartlepool's founder Ralph Ward-Jackson is not standing in General Election|url=https://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/politics/why-descendant-modern-hartlepools-founder-ralph-ward-jackson-not-standing-general-election-981125|date=13 November 2019|access-date=8 April 2021 |work=Hartlepool Mail|language=en}}</ref> and was replaced as Conservative candidate by Stockton Cllr Stefan Houghton.
[[Category:2021 elections in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:2021 in England]]
[[Category:By-elections to the Parliament of the United Kingdom in County Durham constituencies]]
[[Category:May 2021 events in the United Kingdom|2021 Hartlepool]]
[[Category:Politics of the Borough of Hartlepool]]


== Campaign ==
== Campaign ==

Revision as of 12:43, 9 April 2021

2021 Hartlepool by-election
← 2019 6 May 2021 Next →
Hartlepool constituency
Location of Hartlepool within the former county of Cleveland
Incumbent MP

Mike Hill
Labour



The 2021 Hartlepool by-election is a by-election to be held in the UK parliamentary constituency of Hartlepool following the resignation of the sitting Member of Parliament (MP), Mike Hill.[1] It will be held on 6 May 2021 alongside elections to the Borough Council, Tees Valley Mayor, and Cleveland Police and Crimes Commissioner.[2] The seat is considered to be in the red wall, a set of constituencies that historically supported the Labour Party but where the party is being challenged by increasing Conservative support.[3]

This will be the first by-election to the parliament elected in 2019.[4] The 21-month gap between the last by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire in August 2019 and the polling day of the by-election in Hartlepool will be the longest since World War II.[5]

Background

Constituency

Hartlepool, named after the town of the same name, has been held by the Labour Party since 1964. The seat includes the town of Hartlepool itself and the nearby villages of Hart, Elwick, Greatham, Newton Bewley and Dalton Piercy.

In the 2016 European Union membership referendum, the Hartlepool Council area, which covers the same area as the constituency, voted 69.6% to 30.4% to leave the European Union (EU).[6]

Greatham, County Durham.

History

Former MPs have included Royal Navy officer John Kerans and former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson.[7]

The 2004 by-election saw a huge swing to the Liberal Democrats, while the UK Independence Party came in a close second place at the 2015 general election.

Hill is due to face an employment tribunal later in the year following allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation.[4] Hill was suspended from the Labour Party in September 2019 over allegations of sexual harassment but reinstated in October 2019.[8] In January 2020 Hill's request for anonymity was turned down in an upcoming employment tribunal related to the accusations. The alleged victim stated that she had also made a report to the Metropolitan Police at the time of the original accusations.[9] On 16 March 2021, Hill announced his resignation with immediate effect.[4]

2021 Hartlepool by-election
← 2019 6 May 2021 Next →
Hartlepool constituency
Location of Hartlepool within former Cleveland
Incumbent MP

Mike Hill
Labour



The 2021 Hartlepool by-election is a by-election to be held in the UK parliamentary constituency of Hartlepool following the resignation of the sitting Member of Parliament (MP), Mike Hill.[10] It will be held on 6 May 2021 alongside elections to the Borough Council, Tees Valley Mayor, and Cleveland Police and Crimes Commissioner.[11] The seat is considered to be in the red wall, a set of constituencies that historically supported the Labour Party but where the party is being challenged by increasing Conservative support.[12]

This will be the first by-election to the 58th parliament, which was elected in 2019.[4] The 21-month gap between the last by-election in Brecon and Radnorshire in August 2019 and the polling day of the by-election in Hartlepool will be the longest since World War II.[13]

Background

Constituency

Hartlepool, named after the town of the same name, has been held by the Labour Party since 1964. The seat includes the town of Hartlepool itself and the nearby villages of Hart, Elwick, Greatham, Newton Bewley and Dalton Piercy.

In the 2016 European Union membership referendum, the Hartlepool Council area, which covers the same area as the constituency, voted 69.6% to 30.4% to leave the European Union (EU).[14]

Greatham, County Durham.

History

Former MPs have included Royal Navy officer John Kerans and former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson.[15]

The 2004 by-election saw a huge swing to the Liberal Democrats, while the UK Independence Party came in a close second place at the 2015 general election.

Hill is due to face an employment tribunal later in the year following allegations of sexual harassment and victimisation.[4] Hill was suspended from the Labour Party in September 2019 over allegations of sexual harassment but reinstated in October 2019.[8] In January 2020 Hill's request for anonymity was turned down in an upcoming employment tribunal related to the accusations. The alleged victim stated that she had also made a report to the Metropolitan Police at the time of the original accusations.[16] On 16 March 2021, Hill announced his resignation with immediate effect.[4]

Candidates and timetable

The following candidates have been reported as intending to stand. The full list of candidates will be published on 8 April 2021.

2021 Hartlepool by-election
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
SDP David Bettney[17]
North East Hilton Dawson[18]
Monster Raving Loony Nick Delves[19]
Women's Equality Gemma Evans[20]
Independent Adam Gaines[21]
Liberal Democrats Andy Hagon[22]
Independent Samantha Lee[23][24][25]
Conservative Jill Mortimer[26]
Reform UK John Prescott[27]
NIP Thelma Walker[a][30]
Labour Paul Williams[31]
Majority
Turnout

NHS doctor and former MP Paul Williams was selected on 18 March as the Labour candidate.[32] Williams represented the nearby constituency of Stockton South but lost his seat at the 2019 election.[33] He had been standing for the position of Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, to be elected in May 2021, but withdrew from that contest in order to stand in Hartlepool.[34] Labour was criticised for the conduct of its selection process, which gave candidates one day to submit application papers. An unnamed Labour MP accused Labour's leadership of a "stitch-up", and alleged that the speed of Labour's selection had disadvantaged local party members.[35] Labour leader Keir Starmer said that the local party had written to Labour headquarters to identify Williams as their preferred choice.[36] While Williams was a vocal advocate of a second referendum on EU membership, the constituency of Hartlepool supported Brexit by almost 70%, leading to criticism after he deleted his pro-EU tweets before his candidacy.[37]

On 17 March, the UK Independence Party (UKIP) announced their intention to stand a candidate.[38] The same day, the Northern Independence Party announced their intention to contest the by-election.[39] Later in March they selected as their candidate former Labour MP Thelma Walker, who represented the West Yorkshire constituency of Colne Valley but lost her seat at the 2019 election.[40]

On 17 March, Reform UK Leader Richard Tice, who contested the seat in 2019, told LBC that the party intends to stand a candidate.[41] On 31 March, the party selected businessman John Prescott (no relation to the former deputy prime minister) as their candidate. He was the party's candidate for Stockton South in the 2019 election, under its previous name of the Brexit Party.[42]

On 20 March, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) announced that they intend to stand in the by-election.[43] On 29 March, the SDP announced that its candidate would be David Bettney, a former regimental sergeant major in the Light Dragoons.[44] On 22 March, Gemma Evans from the Women's Equality Party expressed her intention to stand.[45] On 24 March, the North East Party announced that former Labour MP and founding party member Hilton Dawson would be their candidate for the by-election.[46]

On 26 March, the Conservative Party selected farmer and Hambleton District Cllr Jill Mortimer as their candidate in the by-election.[47][48] She was previously the Conservative candidate in Leeds East at the 2019 election.

On 31 March, the Official Monster Raving Loony Party selected party treasurer Nick Delves as their candidate.[19] On 2 April, local pub owner Adam Gaines announced his intention to stand as an independent candidate.[21]

On 2 April, the Liberal Democrats selected schoolteacher Andy Hagon as their candidate. Hagon was the party's candidate for the constituency in both the 2017 and 2019 elections.[22] On 9th April Samamtha Lee was announced as the Wiki_Ballot Pick the open source democracy Wiki has supported Richard Tice in December 2019 General election.[49]

Campaign

During the by-election campaign, Labour candidate Paul Williams apologised for previously posting a tweet using the term "Tory MILFs" in 2011.[50] He was defended by the Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, while Labour peer and former shadow Attorney General Shami Chakrabarti called for him to be replaced "immediately".[51]

Opinion polls

  Part of a MRP projection with other constituencies

Pollster Client Date(s)
conducted 		Sample
size 		Lab Con Ref UK Lib Dem Green NIP NEP Others Lead
data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Reform UK/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Liberal Democrats (UK)/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Green Party of England and Wales/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Northern Independence Party/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:North East Party/meta/color;"|
Survation The Times 29 Mar – 3 Apr 2021 502 42% 49% 1% 1%[b] 1%[c] 2% <1% 4% style="background:Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color;color:#FFFFFF;"| 7%
Focaldata The Times 18–21 Mar 2021 5,265[d] 39% 36% 9% 3% 7% – – 6% style="background:Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color;color:#FFFFFF;"| 3%
2019 general election 12 Dec 2019 – 37.7% 28.9% 25.8% 4.1% – – – 3.4% style="background:Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color;color:#FFFFFF;"| 8.8%

2019 result

2019 general election: Hartlepool[52]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Mike Hill 15,464 37.7 −14.8
Conservative Stefan Houghton 11,869 28.9 −5.3
Brexit Party Richard Tice 10,603 25.8 N/A
Liberal Democrats Andy Hagon 1,696 4.1 +2.3
Independent Joe Bousfield 911 2.2 N/A
Socialist Labour Kevin Cranney 494 1.2 N/A
Majority 3,595 8.8 −9.5
Turnout 41,037 57.9 −1.3
Labour hold Swing -4.8

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The NIP's initial application to the Electoral Commission was rejected as incomplete on 2 March. A further application was submitted on 24 March, and remains undecided as of 6 April.[28][29] If the application is unsuccessful, the party name will not be able to appear on the ballot paper.
  2. ^ Candidate unspecified, question asked about "a Liberal Democrat candidate".
  3. ^ Candidate unspecified, question asked about "a Green Party candidate".
  4. ^ across 83 constituencies within the North

References

  1. ^ Rodgers, Sienna (16 March 2021). "Mike Hill quits as Labour MP for Hartlepool with immediate effect". LabourList. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  2. ^ Marko, Nic (31 March 2021). "Hartlepool voters to go to the polls for four elections on the same day". LabourList. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Labour fears of losing Hartlepool grow ahead of 'defining' red wall by-election". The Independent. 21 March 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f "Mike Hill: Hartlepool MP quits 'with immediate effect'". BBC News. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  5. ^ "New post-war record for longest period since parliamentary by-election". The New European. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  6. ^ Singh, Matt [@MattSingh_] (16 March 2021). "#Hartlepoolbyelection fun fact: The seat is coterminous with the council area, so we know the exact EU referendum result (69.56833% Leave 30.43167% Remain)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  7. ^ Anderson, Katie (17 March 2021). "From war hero to 'Prince of darkness': Hartlepool MPs timeline". TeessideLive. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  8. ^ a b Press Association (22 September 2019). "Labour MP Mike Hill suspended over claims of sexual harassment". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 September 2019.
  9. ^ Quinn, Ben (22 January 2020). "Labour MP accused of sexual assault fails in anonymity bid". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  10. ^ Rodgers, Sienna (16 March 2021). "Mike Hill quits as Labour MP for Hartlepool with immediate effect". LabourList. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  11. ^ Marko, Nic (31 March 2021). "Hartlepool voters to go to the polls for four elections on the same day". LabourList. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  12. ^ "Labour fears of losing Hartlepool grow ahead of 'defining' red wall by-election". The Independent. 21 March 2021.
  13. ^ "New post-war record for longest period since parliamentary by-election". The New European. 1 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  14. ^ Singh, Matt [@MattSingh_] (16 March 2021). "#Hartlepoolbyelection fun fact: The seat is coterminous with the council area, so we know the exact EU referendum result (69.56833% Leave 30.43167% Remain)" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  15. ^ Anderson, Katie (17 March 2021). "From war hero to 'Prince of darkness': Hartlepool MPs timeline". TeessideLive. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  16. ^ Quinn, Ben (22 January 2020). "Labour MP accused of sexual assault fails in anonymity bid". The Guardian. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
  17. ^ "SDP candidate at Hartlepool by-election promises to work 'night and day' for town if elected". Hartlepool Mail. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  18. ^ "The North East Party Reveals Hilton Dawson as Hartlepool By-election Candidate". Sunderland Global Media. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  19. ^ a b Marko, Nic (31 March 2021). "Monster Raving Loony Party 'want to move Parliament to Hartlepool'". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  20. ^ Tidman, Zoe (22 March 2021). "'We can't let politicians get away with inaction': Hartlepool by-election candidate demands action on tackling violence against women and girls". The Independent. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  21. ^ a b Marko, Nic (2 April 2021). "Hartlepool pub owner joins by-election race and pledges to donate half MP's salary to food banks". Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  22. ^ a b "Hartlepool by-election: Lib Dems reveal Andrew Hagon as candidate". BBC News. 2 April 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2021.
  23. ^ "Hartlepool mam to stand as Independent MP for by-election". Northern Echo. 6 April 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  24. ^ https://www.facebook.com/SamLeeforMP/
  25. ^ https://wikitacticalvoting.miraheze.org/wiki/Hartlepool#Candidates_and_timetable
  26. ^ "Farmer to stand for Conservatives in Hartlepool by-election". BBC News. 27 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  27. ^ Davidson, Peter (31 March 2021). "John Prescott to stand in by-election for Reform UK party". Daily Record. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  28. ^ "Party registration decisions". www.electoralcommission.org.uk. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  29. ^ "View current applications". www.electoralcommission.org.uk. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  30. ^ Wolfe-Robinson, Maya (2 April 2021). "Past and present Labour MPs square off in Hartlepool". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 April 2021.
  31. ^ "Labour unveils ex-Stockton South MP for Hartlepool seat". BBC News. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  32. ^ Labour North [@LabourNorth] (18 March 2021). "Congratulations to Dr Paul Williams, Labour's candidate for Hartlepool" (Tweet). Retrieved 18 March 2021 – via Twitter.
  33. ^ Blackburne, Elaine (18 March 2021). "Former MP Dr Paul Williams will fight for Labour in by-election". TeessideLive. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  34. ^ "Labour unveils ex-Stockton South MP for Hartlepool seat". 18 March 2021 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  35. ^ Proctor, Kate (17 March 2021). "Labour Accused Of A Candidate 'Stitch-Up' Over Hartlepool By-Election Timetable". Politics Home. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  36. ^ Courea, Eleni (22 March 2021). "Keir Starmer rebukes Labour's Hartlepool by-election candidate". The Times. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  37. ^ McGuinness, Alan (18 March 2021). "Dr Paul Williams announced as Labour's candidate for Hartlepool by-election after resignation of Mike Hill". Sky News.
  38. ^ "UKIP To Contest Hartlepool Seat After Labour MP Stands Down". politicalite. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  39. ^ "North of England independence party to stand in Hartlepool by-election". Nation.Cymru. 16 March 2021. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  40. ^ "Ex-MP to stand for Northern Independence party in by-election". BBC News. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  41. ^ "Richard Tice 'actively considering' standing in Hartlepool by-election". LBC. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  42. ^ "John Prescott (not that one) named as Reform UK candidate for Hartlepool". ITV News. 31 March 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  43. ^ Ledwith, Gavin (20 March 2021). "'Together we will break the stranglehold of the two-party system' says latest party to join by-election battle". The Hartlepool Mail. Retrieved 20 March 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  44. ^ "SDP candidate at Hartlepool by-election promises to work 'night and day' for town if elected". Hartlepool Mail. 29 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  45. ^ Tidman, Zoe (22 March 2021). "'We can't let politicians get away with inaction': Hartlepool by-election candidate demands action on tackling violence against women and girls". The Independent. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  46. ^ "North East Party reveals Hilton Dawson as Hartlepool By-Election Candidate". Sunderland Global Media. 24 March 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  47. ^ "Conservatives announce Jill Mortimer as candidate for Hartlepool by-election". The Northern Echo. 26 March 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  48. ^ "Farmer to stand for Conservatives in Hartlepool by-election". bbc.co.uk.
  49. ^ https://wikitacticalvoting.miraheze.org/wiki/Hartlepool#Candidates_and_timetable
  50. ^ "Paul Williams: Labour candidate sorry for 'inappropriate' tweet". 21 March 2021 – via www.bbc.com.
  51. ^ Sleigh, Sophia (22 March 2021). "Starmer defends Hartlepool candidate after 'inappropriate' comment". www.standard.co.uk. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  52. ^ "Hartlepool Parliamentary constituency". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 24 November 2019.

Campaign

During the by-election campaign, Labour candidate Paul Williams apologised for previously posting a tweet using the term "Tory MILFs" in 2011.[1] He was defended by the Labour Party leader, Keir Starmer, while Labour peer and former shadow Attorney General Shami Chakrabarti called for him to be replaced "immediately".[2]

Opinion polls

  Part of a MRP projection with other constituencies

Pollster Client Date(s)
conducted 		Sample
size 		Lab Con Ref UK Lib Dem Green NIP NEP Others Lead
data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Reform UK/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Liberal Democrats (UK)/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Green Party of England and Wales/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:Northern Independence Party/meta/color;"| data-sort-type="number" style="background:Template:North East Party/meta/color;"|
Survation Communication Workers Union 29 Mar – 3 Apr 2021 502 42% 49% 1% 1%[a] 1%[b] 2% <1% 4% style="background:Template:Conservative Party (UK)/meta/color;color:#FFFFFF;"| 7%
Focaldata The Times 18–21 Mar 2021 5,265[c] 39% 36% 9% 3% 7% – – 6% style="background:Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color;color:#FFFFFF;"| 3%
2019 general election 12 Dec 2019 – 37.7% 28.9% 25.8% 4.1% – – – 3.4% style="background:Template:Labour Party (UK)/meta/color;color:#FFFFFF;"| 8.8%

2019 result

2019 general election: Hartlepool[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Labour Mike Hill 15,464 37.7 −14.8
Conservative Stefan Houghton 11,869 28.9 −5.3
Brexit Party Richard Tice 10,603 25.8 N/A
Liberal Democrats Andy Hagon 1,696 4.1 +2.3
Independent Joe Bousfield 911 2.2 N/A
Socialist Labour Kevin Cranney 494 1.2 N/A
Majority 3,595 8.8 −9.5
Turnout 41,037 57.9 −1.3
Labour hold Swing -4.8

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Candidate unspecified, question asked about "a Liberal Democrat candidate".
  2. ^ Candidate unspecified, question asked about "a Green Party candidate".
  3. ^ across 83 constituencies within the North

References

  1. ^ "Paul Williams: Labour candidate sorry for 'inappropriate' tweet". 21 March 2021 – via www.bbc.com.
  2. ^ Sleigh, Sophia (22 March 2021). "Starmer defends Hartlepool candidate after 'inappropriate' comment". www.standard.co.uk. Retrieved 22 March 2021.
  3. ^ "Hartlepool Parliamentary constituency". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 24 November 2019.
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