The Labour Party has announced its candidate to stand for election in a brand new seat in Stockton. 

Stockton native Joe Dancey has today (October 3) been selected by the Labour Party to contest the newly formed seat of Stockton West in the next general election.

Mr Dancey grew up in Eaglescliffe, attending Junction Farm Primary School and Eaglescliffe Comprehensive and Sixth Form prior to university.

Read more: Luke Henman wants to be Labour candidate to oust Ben Houchen

Speaking after his selection, Joe said: “It’s a true honour to be selected to contest my home seat of Stockton West at the next General Election.”

“I’m ready to roll my sleeves up to deliver the Labour government we need here in Stockton.

“We’ve been let down again and again by the Tories, and I want to use my experience in Government and as a campaigner to get the investment, services and, most importantly, the change we deserve.”

Currently, Stockton has two MPs representing the town with Labour Stockon North MP Alex Cunningham and Conservative Stockton South MP Matt Vickers.

In the next general election, this is set to change and will see the Stockton South seat abolished and see the areas of Longnewton and Redmarshall change from Stockton North to the newly formed Stockton West constituency. 

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Mr Dancey is now one of many Labour candidates who have been chosen to stand in the North East, and include Lola McEvoy, set to challenge Darlington MP Peter Gibson.

Dr Sam Rushworth has also been chosen to represent Labour in Bishop Auckland, with hopes to win the seat from Conservative MP Dehenna Davison.