IN the end it wasn’t even close.

In 2015, Independent candidate Andy Preston was narrowly defeated by Labour’s Dave Budd with a winning margin of just 256 votes.

Four years on, Mr Preston stormed to victory to become Middlesbrough Mayor with 58% of the vote.

His nearest rival, Labour’s Mick Thompson, came in at 22.93%.

The Northern Echo: Labour candidate Mick ThompsonLabour candidate Mick Thompson

It was an oddly quiet atmosphere at Middlesbrough Sports Village as the votes started coming in just after 10pm.

And as the count began, there was a definite sense among Labour members and supporters that this wasn’t going to be their night.

With confidence low, some even referred to a potential “catastrophe”.

The Conservative Tees Valley Mayor, Ben Houchen, went as far as to call the result for Preston at 12.30am – the count proper only beginning half an hour earlier.

As returning officer, Tony Parkinson, revealed the result – a resounding victory for Mr Preston – at 2.15am, a cheer went up from the independents.

The Northern Echo: Ballots in the Middlesbrough mayoral election are counted. Picture: James CainBallots in the Middlesbrough mayoral election are counted. Picture: James Cain

Taking to the stage, independent candidate, Peter Longstaff, who came third with 9.79% of the vote said: “I do believe it is ‘Independents’ Day’ because I got some good votes as well.

“Let’s make all the town council independent and our MP as well.”

Again a cheer from the independents.

Mick Thompson had left the building by this point but speaking to the LDRS following the result, he said: “Congratulations to Andy Preston on his victory, I wish him well in his new role.

“Under the leadership of Dave Budd, Middlesbrough has made great strides forward and Mr Preston’s job first and foremost will be to ensure that Middlesbrough does not take a step backwards.

“During this election, Mr Preston made a number of promises to the people of Middlesbrough, and it will be the role of Middlesbrough Labour to robustly hold Mr Preston to account on these, and to make sure Middlesbrough continues to be on the rise.”

Conservative candidate Ken Hall did not attend the count.

Accepting victory, Mr Preston thanked staff at the count and said: “We tried to be as positive as we could.

“We tried to stay away from underhand tactics and tried to be fair and balanced – and the public have loved it so expect to see a lot more of that.

“I’m going to be a positive mayor who works with people and tries to unite us.

“Thank you very, very much.”

It remains to be seen if tomorrow will be a similarly good day for independent candidates when the ward seats are counted.

With results looking bad for the big parties around the country, could this year really be “Independents’ Day”?

The results in full

Ken Hall (Con) – 2,382 – 7.93%
Peter Longstaff (Ind) – 2,940 – 9.79%
Andy Preston (Ind) – 17,418 – 58%
Mick Thompson (Lab) – 6,693 – 22.93%