North of England independence party to stand in Hartlepool by-election
A political party fighting for independence for the North of England from Westminster plans to stand in the upcoming Hartlepool by-election.
The Northern Independence Party is a new political party, set up in 2020, which declares: “We’re not English, we are Northumbrian.”
The party describes itself as campaigning for a “Democratic Socialist North, and a Green Industrial Rebirth.” The party also “opposes all racism/anti-refugee rhetoric.”
They are currently 200/1 to win the by-election, which has been triggered by the resignation of the Labour MP Mike Hill.
“For too long the North has been taken for granted by Westminster elites,” the party said in a statement.
“We believe that now is the time for the people of the North to break with a political system that has impoverished us for generations.
“The Labour Party has never represented the real interests of the North. We reject the idea that London-based lawyer Sir Keir Starmer knows the first thing about life in Hartlepool.
“We will win this seat in Hartlepool, for Hartlepool. This is the beginning of a new North.”
‘Neglect’
Hartlepool’s Labour MP Mike Hill has resigned “with immediate effect”, triggering the by-election.
Mike Hill, 57, was due to face an employment tribunal later this year into claims of “sexual harassment and victimisation”. He has denied the allegations.
The by-election could be held on 6 May, clashing with the Senedd election in Wales.
The constituency Labour party said: “Over the past 10 years Hartlepool has been battered by the Tories down in Westminster.
“The local Tories focus on Middlesbrough and Stockton and Hartlepool is left out.
“We want to see new good jobs, the services people need right here, and a thriving town centre when people get back to the shops again.
“We need a Labour MP who will stand up to the Tories after a decade of neglect.”
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