As election night drew to a close in Sunderland, two very different Labour councillors shared their pride at representing their respective wards.
For the past 26 years, Cllr Harry Trueman has been a regular face in his ward of Washington West, and he has campaigned tirelessly on behalf of his beloved party. Serving his area since 1995, the 74-year-old - who was a cabinet member for over 15 years and held the post of Deputy Leader before becoming Leader - gave thanks for the 1,534 votes he secured on election night, and showed no intention of slowing down.
Cllr Trueman maintained a Labour hold on the ward by a hefty margin of 964 votes, with closest rival, Samantha Jayne Cosgrove of the Conservatives securing 570 votes at the Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre on May 4.
Read more: Sunderland City Council local election results 2023: How every candidate score
Speaking following his re-election, Cllr Trueman said: "It was a good turn out (for Labour) but I'd like to see that improve in future elections. The team in Sunderland has done very well. I'm trying to do the best for my ward, which I have done for 26 years.
"I'm very pleased people trusted me with their vote, there are a lot of people struggling and they can't even put food on the table at the minute. I believe that's why Labour has been successful tonight, the candidates have worked very hard. In some wards, the opposition parties haven't even been out on the streets, they prefer to use social media."
Cllr Trueman added: "Some of our solid voters are senior citizens, and they prefer that personal vote. That's why I still get out there and hand out leaflets and knock on doors, you've got to work for it."
Also celebrating on the night was fellow Labour candidate and newly elected councillor, Catherine Hunter, who was left “overwhelmed” at gaining a seat for the St Anne's ward. In a tearful interview on the night, Cllr Hunter said: "I'm speechless, I can't believe it. I’m so humbled to have been chosen. I've worked tirelessly for six months and I'm just so humbled people have put their trust in me."
Cllr Hunter secured 981 votes, gaining a Tory seat from Cllr Pam Mann, who had served the ward since 2019 and was up for re-election. Cllr Hunter added: "This really does mean a lot to me, I've taken back the seat that was lost and I'm humbled I've been chosen."
The new look council now comprises of 45 Labour seats, 15 Liberal Democrats, 13 Conservative and one Reform UK. Labour made gains, taking back seats in St Anne's, Barnes and Ryhope, while the Conservatives held the St Michael's, St Peter's and St Chad's wards.
Read next:
- The complete list of polling stations across the North East for local elections 2023
- Photo ID, face coverings and proxy ballots: Voting guidance for upcoming local elections
- Newcastle City Council local elections 2023: All the candidates, big issues, and seats to watch
- Sunderland elections: Will Labour continue its hold or will there be a major upset?
- Local elections 2023: Your guide to what's happening in Tyne and Wear on May 4
