Labour has announced its candidate for North Durham, following the retirement of longstanding MP, Kevan Jones.

Seasoned campaigner and organiser Luke Akehurst will contest the County Durham seat for the party.

Luke has a long history in the Labour movement and will be a passionate advocate for North Durham and all its towns and villages, the party said. 

Labour has said that the upcoming election is a "chance to change our country, and Keir Starmer is the only one with a credible plan to do it, whilst Rishi Sunak only offers the people of North Durham, more chaos and instability."

Speaking after his selection, Luke Akehurst, Labour’s candidate for North Durham said: “It is truly an honour to be selected to stand for the Labour Party in North Durham. I’d like to pay tribute and give my thanks to Kevan Jones, who has been an inspiration to so many of us in his over two decades in Parliament.

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“This election is the chance to deliver change for people from across North Durham.

"Keir Starmer has changed the Labour Party and I am proud to have played a part in making those changes, now we have a plan to change our communities and our country.”

Kevan Jones, outgoing MP for North Durham, said: “It has been a great privilege to serve North Durham for these last 23 years. I congratulate Luke on being selected as the candidate for North Durham. I wish him well and will do whatever I can support.”