A LABOUR MP has said his party has "no alternative" other than be humble following a series of defeats across Tees Valley.

Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough, made the comments following a day of defeats for Labour.

Jill Mortimer became Hartlepool's first Conservative MP since the 1950s today after securing a 7,000 majority over Labour's Dr Paul Williams.

And Ben Houchen secured a second term after getting more than 72 per cent of the vote, winning majorities in all five combined authority areas.

Steve Turner was also elected as Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner. 

Mr McDonald, who accused the Conservatives of 'stealing' Labour's clothes, said: “Congratulations to Ben Houchen and Steve Turner on their resounding victories in the Mayoral and PCC elections.

"Whilst the turnout was disappointingly low, the verdict of the electorate is crystal clear and we in the Labour Party have no alternative other than to be humble in accepting the decision of the people and learn the right lessons from what has been a terrible series of elections for us across Tees Valley. 

"The Conservative Party has navigated these waters extremely well and have been smart in stealing Labour’s clothes ranging from the Green Industrial revolution, moving Whitehall jobs to the North and eventually supporting our campaign around better rail connectivity and even bringing the railways under public control.

"They have an overwhelming mandate and now they must deliver, and Labour in the Tees Valley will hold them to account on that delivery.

"The Prime Minister is partly right that it is indeed about “Jobs Jobs Jobs” but it’s actually about “good jobs, properly paid jobs, providing security and dignity”. 

"I also must express my deep gratitude to Jessie Joe Jacobs and Matt Storey for their sheer hard work dedication and determination.

"They can both hold their heads high, and I undertake to them and our wonderful volunteers that I will do all I can to turn around our electoral fortunes, but we have to be honest as we have a great deal of work to do.”