The newly-elected MP for Aycliffe says he’ll work hard to “safeguard” the 700 reportedly threatened jobs at Hitachi Rail.
Alan Strickland was elected as the first MP for the new constituency of Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor in the 2024 General Election.
The Labour candidate won with 18,394 votes, as Conservative Paul Howell came third behind Reform with 8,195 votes – losing more than 11,000 supporters from his 2019 victory.
It has been reported that jobs at Hitachi on Aycliffe Business Park could be under threat, with work drying up for the Japanese rail manufacturer.
Mr Strickland’s victory was eventually announced shortly after 3am on Friday morning, after the election count at Spennymoor Leisure Centre.
“The people of our community and the people of our country have voted for change,” he said.
“For a government powered by public service, for a country where background is no barrier to success, for an NHS back on its feet, and for a country where there is genuine hope for the future.
“That’s why my first priority will be fighting for a step change in the world-class jobs, apprenticeships, and opportunities starting with working hard to safeguard the 700 hi-tech jobs at Hitachi rail in Newton Aycliffe.
“Over the last 14 years we’ve been neglected as an area. Promises made, promises broken.
“That’s why week after week at door after door people told me they will be voting for change.”
Reform candidate John Grant – who also pitched to become a UKIP MP in 2017 – came second with 9,555 votes, 1,360 more than Mr Howell.
There were 39,925 total applicable votes and a turnout of 55.29%. The 2019 turnout was 41,566 (64.6%).
Previous Tory MP Paul Howell won the 2019 General Election for the old Sedgefield constituency in 2019 with 19,609 votes, ousting four-times election winner Phil Wilson, who succeeded Tony Blair in 2007, with 15,096 votes.
Aycliffe & Spennymoor General Election 2024 result:
Brian Agar (Transform): 264
Anne-Marie Curry (Lib Dems): 1,491
John Grant (Reform): 9,555
Paul Howell (Conservative) 8,195
Jack Hughes (Green): 1,701
Alan Strickland (Labour): 18,394
Minhajul Suhon (Workers Party): 246
