Mike Hill: Hartlepool MP quits ‘with immediate effect’
Hartlepool #Hartlepool
image copyrightUK Parliament image captionMike Hill was elected as the MP for Hartlepool in 2017
Hartlepool Labour MP Mike Hill has resigned “with immediate effect”, prompting a by-election.
Mr Hill was due to face an employment tribunal later this year into claims of “sexual harassment and victimisation”. He has denied the allegations.
It is understood an investigation into the 57-year-old’s conduct is ongoing.
A spokesperson for the constituency Labour Party said it wanted a candidate in place quickly to “start work on sharing Labour’s positive vision”.
They added: “Over the past 10 years Hartlepool has been battered by the Tories down in Westminster.
“The local Tories focus on Middlesbrough and Stockton and Hartlepool is left out.
“We want to see new good jobs, the services people need right here, and a thriving town centre when people get back to the shops again.
“We need a Labour MP who will stand up to the Tories after a decade of neglect.”
Mr Hill’s resignation will trigger a by-election in a key former so-called “red wall” constituency, which could be held on 6 May to coincide with local and mayoral elections in England.
Follow BBC North East & Cumbria on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk.