Labour win first seat of the night as Bridget Phillipson reelected

Bridget Phillipson has been reelected as Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South.

The Labour Shadow Education Secretary could soon be running the Department for Education if Sir Keir Starmer's party secure the thumping majority predicted by the exit poll.

She secured 18,847 votes, almost 47.07% of the votes.

All eyes were on the North East to see which constituency was first to declare with Houghton and Sunderland South taking the crown.

Ms Phillipson, who will now expect to be in Sir Keir’s first Cabinet, said: “Tonight the British people have spoken and if the exit poll this evening is again a guide to results across our country – as it so often is – then after 14 years the British people have chosen change.

“They have chosen Labour and they have chosen the leadership of Keir Starmer. Today our country with its proud history has chosen a brighter future.”

(Image: NORTH NEWS)

But it was Reform who came second with 11,668 votes.

(Image: NORTH NEWS)

Full results for Houghton and Sunderland South

GRN- Richard Bradley: 1,723
CON - Chris Burnicle: 5,514
LD - Paul Edgeworth: 2,290
LAB - Bridget Phillipson: 18,847
REF - Sam Woods-Brass: 11,668