Joe Dancey has spoken out after a shocking election defeat saw Matt Vickers turn Stockton West into the only Tory constituency in the North East. 

The Labour candidate - who grew up in Eaglescliffe - looked set to become the constituency’s next MP with all polling predictions pointing towards a Labour gain. 

But despite receiving the most votes of any Labour candidate in the Tees Valley by more than 1,000 ballots, it was not enough to defeat Conservative Mr Vickers. 

The count for Stockton West and Stockton NorthThe count for Stockton West and Stockton North (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Polling 18,233 compared to Mr Vickers’ 20,372, Mr Dancey’s defeat came as a shock to many, with even the exit poll predicting a Labour victory. 

Now, almost two weeks on from the UK Labour landslide, Mr Dancey has spoken out on his sadness of not being able to represent Stockton West - but said it was “an honour” to receive so many votes.

The former Egglescliffe School and Sixth Form College student explained how it was a “privilege” to stand for the election, having grown up in the area.

Joe Dancey following his selectionJoe Dancey following his selection (Image: THE LABOUR PARTY)

He said: “Some of you were passionate supporters and campaigned relentlessly for me whilst others lent me their vote because they still wanted a change.  You all have my thanks.

“I am humbled to have received the most votes of any Labour candidate standing in the Tees Valley – by more than 1,000 ballots. 

“However, the fact remains that winning the most votes in each seat to deliver a majority in the House of Commons is all that counts in Britain’s parliamentary democracy – an obvious lesson for any political party.

“I congratulate Matt Vickers on his victory. He is, like me, a proud son of Stockton and I wish him well in delivering the pledges he made to voters. 

“Equally, I thank Nigel Boddy, Stephen Matthews and Anna-Maria Toms of the Liberal Democrats, Reform and the Greens for their fellow participation in our local democratic exercise.”

 

‘Formidable’ team on Teesside

Despite the loss, Mr Dancey noted the “formidable” team of six new Labour MPs across Teesside and Darlington, who he said “will deliver hand in glove with an impressive incoming Labour government and bring benefits to our entire region”.

Labour MPs across the region now include Anna Turley in Redcar, Lola McEvoy in Darlington, Andy McDonald in Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, Luke Myer in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, and Chris McDonald in Stockton North.

Matt Vickers and the sea of red across the North EastMatt Vickers and the sea of red across the North East (Image: UGC)

He also said that the result had not been “bittersweet” - despite Labour's success elsewhere across the country - adding: “The electorate is never wrong. 

“The people of Stockton West have had their say and so have the people of the United Kingdom. 

“Winning or losing well, congratulating the victor and accepting the result are the most basic demands we make of every candidate in every fair election and the cornerstone of our liberal parliamentary democracy.

“On a personal level, naturally, I am sad not to be able to represent my home seat in the next five years and deliver for the people who put their trust in me and Labour.”

 

‘There is so much to do’

Mr Dancey argued that the North East has “suffered from austerity” over the last 14 years, slamming the likes of levelling up, child poverty rates, and life expectancy disparities. 

But, with Keir Starmer in power, he said he feels “sweet rather than bitter” as thousands voted for change across the country.

He continued: “Great Britain will benefit with the introduction of a Labour industrial strategy to support manufacturing and infrastructure in the North, and we will see a serious focus on tackling poverty and delivering opportunity.   

“I look forward to the investment and reform necessary to get our NHS back on its feet, help the police take the streets back from criminals, and prioritise improvements for young people and teachers in state schools.

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“So thank you to the people of Stockton West for your participation in this election whether you voted for me or not.

“It’s been great to meet so many people taking time to speak on the doorstep (with only the occasional slammed door or car driven at us!) and I look forward to our great country writing a new chapter in this coming Parliament.

“On a personal level, thank you to the members of Stockton West Constituency Labour Party, to campaigners who came to support me from all over the region and country, to my family, and most of all Wes who has been a rock of support throughout.”