Yahoo News Outgoing Darlington MP Peter Gibson 'very sad' to lose seat after narrow defeat
Darlington's outgoing Conservative MP Peter Gibson has admitted he is "very sad" to be losing his seat as Labour clinched a narrow victory in the town following a nail-biting count.
Peter Gibson says he leaves his role as an MP and his time in Parliament with his "head held high", after he was defeated by Labour candidate Lola McEvoy just after 2am today (July 5).
Labour's candidate Ms McEvoy won the seat by 2,298 votes, edging out Mr Gibson who was elected to represent the town in 2019.
Outgoing Darlington MP Peter Gibson. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
This defeat is one of many across the country following a disastrous night at the polls for the Conservative Party.
Following the result, he told The Northern Echo: "I feel very sad to have not won - naturally, I'm losing my job, and my team will be losing their jobs as a result of tonight's decision.
"I have done my best to serve this town to the very best of my ability. I think we have made some transformational investments and decisions that will stay with Darlington long in to the future.
"I leave with my head held high knowing that I have done a good job. I know from the conversations I have had that I have secured jobs, and long-term careers here in Darlington.
"That's life-changing."
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)
Asked why he thought he didn't retain his seat, Mr Gibson was blasé, laughing and saying that he simply "didn't win enough votes".
As for what his plans are now, Mr Gibson said he has "fallen in love" with Darlington, adding that he will "see what happens" in the future.
Taking to the podium following a round of cheers and applause, Ms McEvoy thanked her team, other candidates and family and pledged Labour would 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."
She added: "I am proud to be your MP - Keir Starmer has run on a ticket of decency over division. I echo that.
Darlington's new Labour MP Lola McEvoy celebrates her victory. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
"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."
Despite Darlington faring better for the Conservatives in the region, which in many places were booted down into third place, it is not the only seat lost by the party in what has been a staggering wipeout in the North East.
Hexham, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor and Redcar are just some of the seats which have turned red but have been narrowly followed by Reform UK.
The newcomer party led by Nigel Farage garnered their fair share of the vote - often, at times, coming in second to Labour and beating the Conservatives.
Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson retained her seat in Houghton and Sunderland South with a total of 18,837 votes - followed by Sam Woods-Brass of Reform UK with 11,668.
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The full results for Darlington are as follows:
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
The turnout for the town was 60%.
