A TOWN’S longest serving councillor has switched allegiances.

Councillor Ged Hall, who has been a member of Hartlepool Council for 18 years, has re-joined Labour, six years after quitting the party.

Cllr Hall, who represents Burn Valley, has been an independent since 2016.

He said the party had “changed” and he was proud to join Labour.

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He said: “It is clear that both nationally and locally the Labour Party has changed. Here in Hartlepool we have talented new councillors from all walks of life who are absolutely committed to improving our town.

“The leadership team of Brenda Harrison and Jonathan Brash have brought decency and integrity back to the Labour Party in Hartlepool and I am proud to join this wonderful team who are offering new ideas and a new vision for our town.”

The council now has 12 Labour councillors.

The Labour Group has welcomed Councillor Hall, who met with his new colleagues for the first time this week.

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Leader of the Labour Group, Councillor Brenda Harrison, said: “We are delighted that Ged has chosen to join the Labour Party and will now be a member of the Labour Group of councillors. His many years of service to Hartlepool are testament to his character and commitment to our town and I am really looking forward to working with him.”

Cllr Harrison added: “We know that there are a lot Independent councillors who are very upset with the way the Conservatives are running Hartlepool and we are always open to a conversation with those councillors who share our values.”

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