Growing up in Hartlepool, meeting my wife here and raising our family here, I am fiercely proud of our history and deeply invested in our future.

Full statement

Securing jobs and investment for our town is personal to me and for too long we have been let down by politicians who over-promise and under-deliver. The Conservative rhetoric of 'levelling up' has never met the reality of our ambitions for Hartlepool. This has to change.

There is an alternative, one that can rebuild Britain, one that recognises that our country's wealth and prosperity has always been built on the innovation of working people and the industry that is proudly part of Hartlepool's heritage.

A Labour Government will reinvigorate Britain: new industry, an economy focused on growth and properly funded public services. As your MP, it will be my mission to ensure that Hartlepool is at the heart of that future.

Working with local people, organisations, communities and businesses we can make a real difference in OUR town.

My pledges:

TO BE A LOCAL VOICE

I grew up in our town and I'm raising my family here. Hartlepool's future is my children's future and will fight every day for our town, our people and our future.

TO TAKE BACK OUR COMMUNITIES

We need to make our town safe again by taking back our communities from the antisocial and criminal minority who think the rules do not apply to them.

TO STAND UP FOR OUR TOWN

Hartlepool needs new investment in jobs, business and our public services. will stand up for our town by being Hartlepool's voice in Parliament, not Parliament's voice in Hartlepool.

TO FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS

Too many of our children live in poverty, too many of our older people lack the care they need, too many of our families are struggling. I will fight for a fairer deal for our people.

TO ENSURE A NEW START

Supporting local businesses to thrive, attracting new industry to invest, increasing support to our public services to deliver. This is what I will do to give Hartlepool a fresh start