Sir Keir Starmer’s hopes of leading a Labour revival have been dealt a crushing blow after the Tories romped to victory in the Hartlepool by-election.
In a stunning result, the Conservatives took the seat – which had been Labour-held since it was formed in 1974 – with a majority of 6,940.
Shadow communities secretary Steve Reed admitted it was an “absolutely shattering” result as another brick in the party’s once impregnable “red wall” crumbled.
It provoked a furious reaction from the Labour left – sidelined since Sir Keir became leader last year – who said the party must now change direction.
(PA Graphics)
However, Mr Reed insisted they would double down on the more centrist approach taken over the past 12 months.