LABOUR candidate for Stockton North Alex Cunningham strode to victory for a second time in the safe seat.

The former journalist and PR professional polled 19,436 votes, well ahead of his nearest rival, Conservative Chris Daniels, who polled 11,069.

While the seat has been Labour since it was created in 1983, UKIP had hoped to make inroads into traditional Labour areas.

UKIP came third in the seat with Mandy Boylett polling a strong 7,581 votes, while the Liberal Democrat candidate Anthony Sycamore, who was not present, pulled in just 884 - or two per cent of the vote.

Mr Cunningham said: "I am delighted the people of Stockton North have again shown their confidence in me but I've also increased my majority by around 2,000 and of course increased my share of the vote as well."