Lola McEvoy elected Darlington MP as Labour reclaim seat from Tories

Lola McEvoy has been elected as Darlington's next MP, it has been confirmed.

The Labour candidate won the seat by 2,298 votes ahead of the Conservative candidate, Peter Gibson. Ms McEvoy therefore takes the seat back for Labour after Mr Gibson won it in 2019 with a 3,294 majority.

Reform UK came third, Greens fourth and Lib Dems fifth.

Darlington's new MP Lola McEvoy. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Ms McEvoy got 16,621 votes, Mr Gibson got 14,323 and Reform 6,852.

Taking to the podium following a round of cheers and applause, Ms McEvoy thanked her team, other candidates and family and pledged Labour will deliver "change" for the area.

She said: "I put myself forward for my home town because I believe in a better future for our town, our country and our community.

"Tonight, Darlington voted for change and Labour will deliver it."

General Election Day. Counting of votes for the Darlington constituency takes place at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington. Labour Party candidate Lola McEvoy after being declared the winner along Conservative Party candidate Peter Gibson. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

She added: "I am proud to be your MP - Keir Starmer has ran on a ticket of decency over division. I echo that.

"It's a great honour that I have been elected tonight and I just want to say thank you to everyone who voted. Regardless of your party, I am on your side.

"If you didn't vote, I hope for the next general election I can win your vote."

Ms McEvoy then emphasised her key priorities coming into office, which include championing mental health, green industrial future, better public services and creating a "town where every child can thrive".

General Election Day. Counting of votes for the Darlington constituency takes place at the Dolphin Centre, Darlington. Labour Party candidate Lola McEvoy after being declared the winner along Conservative Party candidate Peter Gibson. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

She ended her speech by saying: "The future is bright -it's time for a change. You voted for it and we will deliver it."

Outgoing MP Peter Gibson was first to congratulate Ms McEvoy - stating the role is of both "great pressure" but also "great privilege".

He added: "I believe that I have served the people of Darlington to the absolute best of my ability over the last four and a half years.

"Lola - it is a real privilege and I hope you enjoy it and deliver the service to the town that these people deserve."

*This is a breaking news story and will continue to be updated*

Full results for Darlington

LAB - Lola McEvoy: 16,621
CON - Peter Gibson: 14,323
LD - Simon Thorley: 1,735
GRN - Matthew Snedker: 2,847
REF - Michael Walker: 6,852