New Sunderland Labour leader's pledge to voters after party's local elections mauling

The Labour Party had controlled Sunderland City Council since its formation in 1974 until losing dozens of councillors in May’s “all-out” local elections.

Previous council leader Michael Mordey, deputy leader Kelly Chequer and the entire Labour cabinet were among the party’s representatives who lost their seats.

All 75 elected positions on the council were contested at the polls, with Reform UK winning 58 to lead the local authority, the Liberal Democrats 12 and Labour just five.

Councillor Fiona Tobin, who represents Barnes and Thornhill ward, has been named leader of the Labour group on the council after her success in being re-elected.

Councillor Brandon Feeley, who represents the Washington West ward, has been made deputy leader of the group.

Cllr Tobin said the election result “was clearly a message from voters that many people want to see a different direction” and they “hear that message and respect it”.

She added: “As Labour councillors, our job now is to listen carefully, work hard every day for our communities and repay the trust residents have continued to place in us.

“The priority over the coming year is straightforward: rebuild trust, reconnect with communities and prove through hard work that we are worth voting for.

“Labour will hold this Reform administration to account – ask difficult questions where necessary and follow up on very real concerns that have already been raised with us by members of the public.”

She said such issues included “the vetting of Reform candidates” and decisions around councillors’ pay.

She also raised concerns that “the seriousness and complexity of local government risks being underestimated” by the new leading administration.

Cllr Tobin, who was first elected in 2024, added: “Running a city council is not simply about shouting slogans. We cannot afford a period of stagnation while new councillors learn the basics of governance and administration.

“Residents rightly still expect services to function, decisions to be made and our city to stay on the up.

“Sunderland Labour will be a serious, hardworking and constructive opposition who stand up for residents across our city, fighting for the issues that matter most.”

She noted such causes include “Crown Works, the Riverside development, the Glass Centre, Pride events and the wider cultural and economic projects that make us proud to be Mackems”.

Cllr Tobin said: “Accountability and fairness matter enormously in local democracy. Sunderland residents deserve only the best and I will continue to challenge where I believe standards or decision-making fall short.

“We know we still have strong support across the city, but we don’t take that for granted.

“We will continue to be visible in our communities, standing up for residents, challenging decisions and offering credible alternatives for Sunderland’s future as we continue to fight for the city we love.”

She also thanked residents who voted for Labour, particularly in Barnes & Thornhill where the party won all three seats available, with Cllr Tobin adding she was “incredibly proud” to have been re-elected and “honoured” to lead the Labour group.