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.
Keir Starmer under pressure: Momentum launch new strategy to cripple Labour leader s plan express.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from express.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Six-month traffic trials across five London parks finished in February, and attracted almost 18,000 responses. Overall, they indicated support and a desire to see less cut-through traffic in the parks. The decision to close the Avenue to vehicle traffic in Greenwich Park was the most popular, with 81 per cent of people supporting the measure to be made permanent. A full-time closure of part of Chestnut Avenue between Teddington and Hampton Court Gates to motor vehicles in Bushy Park saw the least support, but still had a 56 per cent rate in favour of permanent measures. Measures will be kept in place until March 2022 and the council says they will collect additional data to get a better picture of the impact of the schemes before determining if they should be made permanent.
Six-month traffic trials across five London parks finished in February, and attracted almost 18,000 responses. Overall, they indicated support and a desire to see less cut-through traffic in the parks. The decision to close the Avenue to vehicle traffic in Greenwich Park was the most popular, with 81 per cent of people supporting the measure to be made permanent. A full-time closure of part of Chestnut Avenue between Teddington and Hampton Court Gates to motor vehicles in Bushy Park saw the least support, but still had a 56 per cent rate in favour of permanent measures. Measures will be kept in place until March 2022 and the council says they will collect additional data to get a better picture of the impact of the schemes before determining if they should be made permanent.
Royal Parks to maintain traffic measures after consultation thisislocallondon.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thisislocallondon.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.