Yahoo News How it happened: A new North East red wall after an astonishing defeat for the Tories
Last night was an undeniable and resounding victory for Labour - who secured an astonishing majority and won several seats in the North East. But how did it happen?
By 5am on July 5, Sir Keir Starmer had secured enough seats to see Labour win the keys to Number 10 Downing Street with a total of 412 MPs across the UK.
In the North East, Labour took back Hartlepool, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor - three battleground seats which were conceded to the Conservatives in 2019.
The party also retained heartland Labour seats including Sunderland Central, Houghton and Sunderland South and Durham City.
Take a look at this interactive timeline of the North East's results to see how it happened.
In his first speech as Prime Minister today (July 5), Keir Starmer said outside Downing Street: “I have just returned from Buckingham Palace, where I accepted an invitation from His Majesty the King to form the next Government of this great nation.
“I want to thank the outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak. His achievement as the first British-Asian prime minister of our country, and the extra effort that will have been required, should not be underestimated by anyone. And we paid tribute to that today.
“We also recognise the dedication and hard work he brought to his leadership.
“But now our country has voted decisively for change, for national renewal and a return of politics to public service.
“When the gap between the sacrifices made by people and the service they receive from politicians grows this big, it leads to a weariness in the heart of a nation, a draining away of the hope, the spirit, the belief in a better future.
He said: “If you voted Labour yesterday, we will carry the responsibility of your trust as we rebuild our country.
“But whether you voted Labour or not, in fact especially if you did not, I say to you directly, my Government will serve you.
“Politics can be a force for good. We will show that. We’ve changed the Labour Party and returned it to service, and that is how we will govern. Country first, party second.
“Yet if I’m honest, service is merely a precondition of hope. And it is surely clear to everyone that our country needs a bigger reset, a rediscovery of who we are. No matter how fierce the storms of history, one of the great strengths of this nation has always been our ability to navigate a way to calmer waters.
“And yet this depends upon politicians, particularly those who stand for stability and moderation as I do, recognising that we must change course.”
He promised a government “unburdened by doctrine” and to fight for people’s belief in a brighter future.
“If I asked you now whether you believe that Britain will be better for your children, I know too many of you would say no.
“So, my Government will fight every day until you believe again.
“From now on, you have a Government unburdened by doctrine, guided only by the determination to serve your interest, to defy quietly those who have written our country off.
“You have given us a clear mandate and we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect to politics.”
Sir Keir Starmer said his new Government has been given a “clear mandate” by voters, saying: “And we will use it to deliver change, to restore service and respect for politics, end the era of noisy performance, tread more lightly on your lives and unite our country.
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“Four nations standing together again facing down, as we have so often in our past, the challenges of an insecure world, committed to a calm and patient rebuilding.
“So, with respect and humility, I invite you all to join this Government of service in the mission of national renewal.
“Our work is urgent and we begin it today.”
