A LABOUR politician visited a Tynedale town to find out what challenges face local residents.

Labour’s Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP joined Joe Morris, Labour’s candidate for the Hexham constituency, and Labour activists on Thursday (April 11), speaking to voters in Prudhoe about the general election and the upcoming Mayoral and Police and Crime Commissioner elections.

The party feels it could win the historically Conservative seat, as Callerton and Throckley from Newcastle move into the constituency and Labour continues to perform in national polling.

Labour has never held the constituency, however, new figures released by YouGov revealed if the country were voting in a general election tomorrow, Labour would win 403 seats nationwide which would include the Hexham seat.

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MP Guy Opperman has held Hexham's seat since 2010 and has confirmed he will stand for election again, while Nick Cott will stand for the Liberal Democrats and William Clouston for the Social Democratic Party. 

Rachel Reeves MP said: “In Prudhoe, the message from residents was clear - our country and our communities need change. Tory economic failure is continuing to leave working people worse off and exposed to the cost-of-living crisis.

"The reality of the Tories crashing the economy and sending mortgage bills soaring has left the average household paying £240 more on monthly repayments. Labour has a long-term plan to grow the economy and tackle the root causes of the cost-of-living crisis.

“Only by getting Britain working again can we get the money we need into people’s pockets and restore our public services. Labour has never held this constituency before, but we are committed to fighting to win all across the country, and Joe Morris will make a fantastic MP for the area he grew up in.”

Joe Morris, Labour’s candidate for the Hexham constituency, said: “I was delighted to speak with Rachel about the challenges facing the Prudhoe and the Tyne Valley. We deserve a Labour government and a Labour MP that will fight for good jobs, good housing and tackle the cost-of-living. I’ll always champion this area - it’s where I call home and where I grew up.

"If Labour can form the next government, we need an MP who can be part of that, and who will work with the leaders of that government to deliver for our communities. For too long, this constituency has been taken for granted by the Conservatives. It’s time for change and time for a Labour MP.”

Cllr Angie Scott, who represents Prudhoe North, said: “It was fantastic that the Shadow Chancellor visited Prudhoe. She heard first-hand how the cost-of-living crisis has impacted local residents. It was a real boost to the campaign to get a Labour MP elected in our constituency. We desperately need a general election and a change of government so we can start addressing the challenges we face."

Hexham MP Guy Opperman and Northumberland Conservatives were contacted for comment.