Reform UK wins majority at Gateshead Council

11 hours ago

Jonny ManningNorth East and Cumbria

News image — Reform UK has taken control of Gateshead Council

BBC Gateshead Civic Centre. The three-storey building is red brick with rows of windows at each level. A clock has been installed above the entrance. — Reform UK has taken control of Gateshead Council

Labour has lost control of Gateshead Council for the first time in 52 years after Reform UK won a majority of seats.

Newly elected Reform councillor Fiona Pearce said people felt a vote for Labour was "just voting for the status quo".

Martin Gannon, who has worked as a Gateshead councillor since 1984 and led the council for 10 years, was one of a number of Labour politicians to lose their seats.

He said people across the country were "angry and dissatisfied".

"And I don't blame them - I feel exactly the same way," he said.

"We've got to win back trust and in these difficult circumstances our government needs to continue along the track it started and try and turn this country around."

Martin Gannon speaking at the election count. He has grey hair and is wearing a grey suit and blue tie. — Martin Gannon had served as a Labour councillor for 42 years

Find out all the election results from across the North East with the BBC's live coverage

Pearce, who now represents, Wardley and Leam Lane, said many people in Gateshead were unhappy with issues such as anti-social behaviour.

"In our ward, we have real struggles with motorbikes, electric scooters and kids in the park being where they shouldn't be with these vehicles," she said.

"We have a lot of issues with the high street and the local shops are closing down in Wardley and Leam Lane."

Reform has made major gains across north-east England and also secured majorities in South Tyneside and Sunderland.