The Conservatives have taken control of Northumberland County Council, with a majority of one.

A dead heat in two of the seats led to a ballot draw - effectively drawing straws - a repeat of the 2017 elections, at which the Tories then lost over all control.

Jill Mortimer, the newly elected Conservative MP for Hartlepool, called her by-election victory a "truly historic result".

Giving a victory speech after the result, she said: "I'm immensely proud to be the first Conservative MP in Hartlepool for 57 years.

"Not only that, I am the first woman ever to be elected as MP for this town.

"It is a truly historic result and a momentous day.

"Labour have taken people in Hartlepool for granted for too long.

"I heard this time and time again on the doorstep and people have had enough and now, through this result, the people have spoken and have made it clear it is time for change."

Image source, PA Media

Hartlepool has a Conservative MP for the first time since the constituency's creation after Jill Mortimer secured a by-election victory.

She beat Labour's Dr Paul Williams in a by-election which was triggered after Labour's Mike Hill stepped down.

Securing a 6,940 majority, winning 15,529 votes to Dr Williams' 8,589, she declared it a "truly historic result".

Image source, PA Media

Conservatives have won the Hartlepool by-election.

Labour had held the town since 1974.

Votes are still being counted in Northumberland.

Chris Mason
Political Correspondent

It is widely expected that Hartlepool will have a Conservative MP for the first time in more than 50 years when the by-election result comes in later.

It will be awkward for Sir Keir Starmer as Labour concedes another block in the so-called 'red wall' that has been bulldozed by the Conservatives since 2019.

Starmer has a tricky explaining job to do to members of his party.

And while it is just one by-election, it will contribute to changing the mood.

Crucially it will be hard, in a Westminster context, for Starmer to point to any sense of progress.

Fergus Hewison
BBC Newcastle political reporter

Labour avoids losing overall control of Sunderland City Council, but only just.

It finishes the night having lost nine seats.

The council political composition is now Labour 42, Conservatives 18 (up six), Liberal Democrats 12 (up four, UKIP three (no gains, not defending any seats).

Results and reaction from the Hartlepool by-election, PCC, council and Tees Valley Mayor counts.

Good morning and welcome to the start of our live coverage of the election results in the North East and Cumbria.

To start you off here is a round-up of what has happened overnight.

• The result of the Hartlepool by-election is expected to be declared shortly but Labour's shadow transport secretary, Jim McMahon, has already admitted defeat
• Labour have kept control of Sunderland City Council but lost nine seats
• Labour have also held Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council and South Tyneside Council

Image source, PA Media

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