The Labour Party has revealed the names of two new candidates who are set to stand for the party in two North East seats at the upcoming general election.

On July 4, the nation will head to the polls for the next general election - and political parties have been selecting candidates up and down the country hoping to secure a spot as an MP.

Tonight (May 30) Labour has announced two candidates standing in the new Gateshead Central and Whickham seat and in Sunderland Central.

This comes after the former Labour MPs who held the seats, Ian Mearns in Gateshead and Julie Elliott in Sunderland, announced they would not be standing at the election.

Trade unionist and former journalist, Mark Ferguson has been selected to stand in Gateshead and Whickham.

Following his selection, Mark said: “I was born and bred here in Gateshead, and it’s the honour of my life to be selected to represent my home. I am passionate about this community and I can not wait to get started.

“The people of the North East are crying out for change, 14 years of a Tory Government have left us hurting. Keir Starmer is the only leader with a credible plan to chart a new course for our country and our communities. A vote for Labour on 4 July is a vote for change.”

For Sunderland Central, NHS manager and campaigner, Lewis Atkinson has been selected to stand.

“Sunderland is an incredible city, with cracking people. A city I am proud to have worked and lived in and it is the honour of my life to be selected to fight for it at the election on 4 July. Firstly I’d like to thank Julie Elliott, for her service to the city and it’s people over the last 14 years, she has given everything to Sunderland, and I am honoured to call her a mentor and a friend.

“This election is our chance to change our country. For too long, the North East has been left behind and failed by Tory Prime Minister after Tory Prime Minister. Keir Starmer is the only leader who has a plan to chart a new course, for our country and for Sunderland. Vote Labour. Vote Change.”

Julie Elliott, outgoing MP for Sunderland Central said: “I’d like to thank the people of Sunderland Central for all that we’ve been through together over the last 14 years, it has been an honour to represent this city.

“Lewis will make a fantastic MP four our city, and I can’t wait to everything I can to support him in his campaign, and get Keir Starmer into 10 Downing Street on 4 July.”

This news comes as some outgoing MPs are still looking for a seat to stand in - including Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden.

The Northern Echo: Peter Gibson and Richard Holden.Peter Gibson and Richard Holden. (Image: Northern Echo)

Speaking to The Northern Echo while canvassing with Darlington MP Peter Gibson, Richard Holden today (May 30) confirmed that he will not be standing in the region and he might not even be standing in the North of England at all.

Mr Holden, who became Conservative Party chairman in November 2023, has been unable to find an alternative seat in the North East.

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The Conservative Party is reportedly looking for candidates to stand in 150 seats across the country.

Mr Holden said: "I have got a week to find a seat. 

"So we will hopefully get one. I would have liked to stay in the North East but it is just not going to happen."