The new Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland said he will be “a voice” for everyone in the area after winning the seat by a slim majority of 214 votes.

Luke Myer ousted Conservative Simon Clarke in a night which saw Labour storm to victory nationally and the Conservatives lose all but one of their seats across the Tees Valley. Mr Myer thanked his campaign team, voters and his family and paid tribute to Sir Simon for his service to the constituency.

He said the area was full of “decent” people who want the best for their families. “It’s that community which tonight has returned a Labour MP and a government,” he said.

Thanking voters, he said: “I will work tirelessly in your interests to be a voice for all of us and to be a voice for all those who did not vote for me as well. We can work together to find common ground and find solutions to take our country forward.

“Teessiders stand together and work together to solve the problems we face and build a better country. That’s not to say it will be easy, it won’t be.

“We’ve not promised the world in this election but we will work every single day to deliver the change that this country needs. Economic security again, safer streets again, an NHS back on its feet again, stronger borders and better opportunities for our children.”

A total of 38,564 ballots were cast from an electorate of 70,331, representing a turn-out of 54.83 per cent. Boundary changes meant Saltburn was moved from the Parliamentary constituency into Redcar, while Park End and Beckfield in Middlesbrough were added to it.

Sir Simon had held the seat since a gain from Labour in 2017. Following the result, which came in in the early hours of Friday morning, he congratulated Mr Myer saying it was the best job in the world and he will “always care deeply about Teesside”.

Results

Luke Myer (Lab) 16,468

Simon Clarke (Cons) 16,254

Jemma Joy (Lib Dems) 2,032

Rod Liddle (Social Democratic Party) 1,835

Rowan Mclaughlin Green Party 1,446