Northumberland Labour says the election results are encouraging for Labour.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “Rural Labour said while the result in Uxbridge was disappointing the media would have claimed Labour could only win among the ‘London Metropolitan elite’. Winning in Selby has shown that Labour can win in towns and villages in the blue wall.

“This is right. We are seeing that people have had enough of this government and it’s time for change.

“My focus as leader of the Labour group is that the county can have a positive start with a Labour-led council in 18 month’s time.”

A Labour-led Northumberland will:

•  focus on equality in homes, jobs and schools
•  refocus spend on the Northumberland pound locally
•  have a true and equal partnership with the third (voluntary) sector
• put local people first at the heart of all our decision making
•  be open and transparent with the public including companies owned by the council