Humiliation for Tories as Labour hold Hartlepool
The UK Conservative party suffered a devastating defeat in the Hartlepool by-election today as they were pushed into fourth place by the anti-EU UK Independence Party.
The result was a severe blow to leader Michael Howard ahead of the party’s annual conference next week.
With a General Election expected in May, Labour’s majority in a rock solid seat was slashed from more than 14,000 to just over 2,000.
But the party fought off a tough challenge from the Liberal Democrats who were third at the 2001 poll.
Iain Wright was elected MP as successor to ex-Cabinet minister Peter Mandelson, whose resignation to become an EU commissioner sparked the bitter poll battle.
Mr Wright said: “Tonight’s result is great news for Tony Blair, a huge disappointment for Charles Kennedy and an absolute disaster for Michael Howard.”
He polled 12,752 to Lib Dem candidate Jody Dunn’s 10,719.
Tory Jeremy Middleton trailed in fourth on 3,044 behind the UK Independence Party’s Stephen Allison on 3,193.
Turnout was around just under 46%, down about 10% from 56% at the 2001 General Election but in line with many recent by-elections.
