RECAP: How election night unfolded in Sunderland as Labour claimed victories, Lib Dems became majority opposition and Conservatives took a hit
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Labour strengthened its control of the council, gaining seats, and the Liberal Democracts became the majority opposition group, with the Tories suffering at the polls - and from defections in the run-up to the election.
A total of 24 seats were decided - one in each ward of the city, bar Hendon, where the election was postponed due to the sad death of one of the candidates.
RECAP: Sunderland City Council elections 2023
Key Events
- Labour strengthened its control of the council on election night
- The Lib Dems have become the majority opposition party
- Sunderland Conservatives suffered losses from defections and election defeats
Sunderland City Council chief executive Patrick Malia serves as Returning Officer for elections in the city
The teams bringing in the ballot boxes in Sunderland are famous across the country.
Labour claims a victory in neighbouring Chester-le-Street
Labour take Chester-le-Street seat
Labour’s Julie Scurfield has claimed victory in tonight’s Chester-le-Street by-election.
Julie won the former Conservative seat with almost double the votes cast the Tory candidate. The result means Labour has won every by-election in County Durham held since the full election in 2021.
Cllr Julie Scurfield said: “I am thrilled to have been elected to represent the incredible communities of Chester-le-Street and I’d like to thank every person who voted to put their trust in Labour.
“I’d also like to thank the relentless campaigners who spoke to and listened to the thousands of people across the town, most of whom are fed up of the Tory-led Coalition bringing Chester-le-Street down.
“The Tory plans for the over-development of the Riverside Sports complex, the lack of investment and lack of a plan for the town centre and the awful decline across our green spaces... it must end.
“I have already started the work of holding the Coalition to account, championing the community and dealing with the multitude of issues we face, but for now my message to the people of Chester-le-Street is that you voted for change and that is what Labour will provide!”
The Results:
LAB: 59.8% (+28.9)
CON: 36.6% (-4.9)
LDEM: 3.6% (-1.4)
Reaction
County Durham Labour Leader, Cllr Carl Marshall, said: “Congratulations to Julie - a tireless campaigner who oversaw a fantastic campaign embraced by the people of Chester-le-Street.
“Thank you to everyone who put their faith in Labour and took the time to lend Julie their vote. This victory is another sign that people believe in County Durham Labour and that we are being successful in our efforts to win back those who left us two years ago.
“It is also another shot across the bows of the chaotic Tory-led Coalition running Durham County Council. Labour has won every by-election in the county since the 2021 election, this time a seat from the Tories. Independent members take note - the writing is on the wall for those who continue to prop-up this failed Tory/ Lib Dem Coalition running the Council.
“Our residents know they are being let down by the Council, they know it is wasting millions of taxpayers’ money and they know that only Labour can turn things around.”
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