Following today’s news that the Boundary Commission was going ahead with the abolition of North West Durham, Richard Holden MP said:
“I am deeply disappointed – and frankly devastated – that the Boundary Commission has accepted the Labour Party’s proposal to split North West Durham four ways, abolishing the seat and displacing me as the local MP.
“Having made North West Durham my home, I have campaigned relentlessly for the towns and villages in it that I have the honour to represent. With the help of hard-working local Councillors and grassroots campaigners, so much has been achieved:
“We have secured the new community hospital to replace Shotley Bridge, record investment in our local schools, tens of thousands from Northern Powergrid for community hubs, 239 more Police in Durham than 2019, the biggest settlement in the country for North East buses, as well as record jobs growth, falls in unemployment and in the benefits claimant count.
“I am completely gutted not to be able to fight the General Election on this strong track record. I hope future MPs in the new seats build on this great work and continue to deliver for every part of our area.
“Of course, I will continue to serve as your local MP with the full vigour I have since 2019 until the next General Election. The dates of my popular eighteen-day summer surgery tour will be published shortly.”
