York is now Labour through and through – at least on the evidence of recent election results.
Luke Charters took York Outer last night – Julian Sturdy’s Conservative stronghold since 2010 – with a massive 9,000 majority.
Meanwhile, Rachael Maskell stormed to another victory in York Central. She won 24,537 votes. The next best candidate, Conservative Richard Hudson, gained only 5,383.
That follows Labour taking control of City of York Council last year. And the party held on to their majority last night after winning the Hull Road ward by-election.
And it was only in May when David Skaith was voted in as York and North Yorkshire’s first regional mayor – the Labour man racing past the Conservative who began as firm favourite.
Rachael Maskell said last night: “The Conservative government brought this country to its knees, but today the country has raised their voices – and they’ve raised their hope in a Labour government which will serve this nation, repair the damage and make sure that we restore our country with the pride that we have and the services that we cherish so much.”
Luke Charters spoke of his journey. “I’m grateful for each and every vote, every person who puts across in that Labour box of their trust in me.
“There will be many people who voted Labour, even for the first time, and I’ll do everything I can to fight for you, and to you in particular, I say thank you.
“I promise to repay the trust you’ve put in me. But I’m standing here today as a testament to what a Labour government can do. Many of you will know I was a student at Huntington School and now have been sent to the House of Commons, thanks to the wonderful teachers I had there.”
Julian Sturdy, now no longer the MP for York Outer, was gracious in defeat. “It has been a huge honour to serve for 14 years as the MP for York Outer it’s been an honour and a privilege to serve our great city,” he said.
He went on: “There’s no doubt we have seen the winds of political change sweep through our country this evening.
“The centre-right vote has split, and as a consequence Keir Starmer is going to get into Number Ten with a large majority.
“The Conservative Party have to recognise that, and we have to understand that, if we are going to rebuild.”
He thanked his team, and his family including his children George and Florence, and his partner Sam.
“I’m going to sign off from York for a while now, I’m going to go back to farming for a little bit,” he added.
“Which I’m actually looking forward to, believe it or not.”
