'Whirlwind' of first year

Hartlepool MP Jonathan Brash has hailed his "whirlwind" first 12 months in the role as a "phenomenal experience" and stressed he will "continue fighting" for the town "every single day".

- Nic Marko

Just after 2.15am on Friday, July 5, 2024, Jonathan Brash was confirmed as Hartlepool's MP with a majority of 7,698 votes ahead of Reform UK candidate Amanda Napper, with former Conservative MP Jill Mortimer in third.

Reflecting on the past 12 months since gaining the seat for Labour, Mr Brash explained it has been a "whirlwind".

He said: "It seems a lot longer than a year ago I was standing in the Mill House giving my acceptance speech. It's been a phenomenal experience so far.

"There's been some big wins, but I'm not complacent because there is so much more to do.

"Hartlepool is a place that needs an MP who is constantly fighting and demanding more for it and that's what I'm trying to do every single day because it's my town too."