By-election in city ward deemed too close to call

VOTERS in one area of Newcastle are going to the polls today in what promises to be an intriguing by-election.

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A new councillor will be elected in the city’s South Jesmond ward, following the resignation of Labour's Milo Barnett.

Five candidates are contesting the seat, as opposition parties bid to strike another blow to Labour's rule.

Labour has been in power at Newcastle City Council since 2011, but lost its majority in the council chamber last year when former leader Nick Kemp and five others quit the party.