THE Green Party is celebrating a momentous night in UK politics after clinching four seats across England.

Carla Denyer took Bristol Central for the Greens (Image: PA)

The party’s co-leader Carla Denyer unseated Labour frontbencher Thangam Debbonaire in Bristol Central, taking more than 56% of the vote and a whopping majority of more than 10,000.

She becomes the city’s first Green MP, with the constituency producing an impressive turnout in the context of the night of almost 70%.

Elsewhere, the Greens have held Brighton Pavilion with Sian Berry taking over the seat from Caroline Lucas.

There have also been victories for the party in Waveney Valley – on the border between Norfolk and Suffolk - as co-leader Adrian Ramsay unseated the Tories, while Ellie Chowns made history in North Herefordshire by taking the seat from Rishi Sunak’s party.

READ MORE: General Election tracker: Maps and charts show Scotland results so far

Meanwhile, the Scottish Greens had a successful evening with Niall Christie in Glasgow South increasing the party’s vote share by more than 10%.

He fired a warning shot to Labour amid their wild celebrations.

He told The National: “It just shows the power of hard work here. We had just over 2% here five years ago, we’ve gone up by more than 10% in five years. We do that again we will be right on Labour’s coattails, so watch out in 2029.

“We’re on course for a record election at Holyrood, probably a record election at council level, and this is a record election at Westminster too. Labour are the big story tonight but they can ignore us at their peril.”

While the party has not secured any MPs, it can point to several positive campaigns, particularly in Glasgow where there were multiple big increases in their vote share.

In Glasgow North East they saw a 7% rise as Ewan Lewis took almost 2500 votes, while in Glasgow North Iris Duane took 4233 votes, increasing the vote share by 8.5%.

Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie (above) said it was an "important springboard" for the Holyrood election in two years.

He said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for the Scottish Greens. Every Green vote has sent a powerful message, demanding real action for people and planet and supporting Scotland’s right to choose its own future.

“These results are an important springboard for the Scottish Greens and show that we are well on track for big gains as we approach the next Scottish election in 2026 and the local elections in 2027.

"We have established our party as the third political force in Glasgow and have broken new ground across the country.

"There have also been fantastic results for Green candidates in England, and I am certain that the four new Green MPs will be outstanding advocates for the transformative politics that we urgently need."

Bristol 'makes history' by electing its first Green MP

By Clara Bullock, BBC News, Bristol

Green-co-leader Carla Denyer has won the seat in Bristol Central.

One of the co-leaders of the Green Party has won the newly-created seat of Bristol Central to become the city's first Green MP.

Carla Denyer beat Labour candidate Thangam Debbonaire, who had been MP for former constituency Bristol West since 2010.

Ms Denyer gained the seat with 24,539 votes (56.6%), while Ms Debbonaire received 14,132 votes (32.6%).

The new Green Party MP said the city had "made history" and she was "so grateful".

She told BBC News: "I'm feeling over the moon and so grateful for all of the support we received from voters in Bristol Central and across the country.

"We know voters like our policies. Policies like an increased minimum wage and better investment in public services.

"We went into this election with an ambitious but realistic target to quadruple our number of MPs.

"The voters have spoken, I think this is the direction of travel for Greens from now on."


Ms Denyer received 56.6% of the vote

The number of people who voted in Bristol Central was 62,735 - a 69% turnout, down by 4.1% from 2019.

The area covered by the newly-created seat of Bristol Central used to be part of Bristol West, which has now been abolished.

As the name suggests, it encompasses the city centre including the areas around the Harbour and Hotwells.

Its residential wards include areas such as Clifton and Bishopston, as well as St Pauls and St Werburghs.

Reacting to losing her role as an MP in Bristol, Ms Debbonaire said representing the city had been an “incredible honour”.

She congratulated Ms Denyer and said: "People who have put their trust in you will come to see what a great job you're about to do.

"Across the country, people have voted for a Labour government and I couldn't be prouder of my part in seeing that happen," Ms Debbonaire added.


Full Bristol Central results
Carla Denyer, Green Party elected MP, 24,539 votes (56.6%)
Thangam Debbonaire, Labour Party candidate, 14,132 votes (32.6%)
Samuel Williams, Conservative Party candidate, 1,998 votes (4.6%)
Robert Clarke, Reform UK candidate, 1,338 votes (3.1%).
Nicholas Coombes, Liberal Democrat candidate, 1,162 votes (2.7%)
Kellie-Jay Keen, Party of Women candidate, 196 votes (0.5%)

Bristol election - more headlines
North Somerset elects its first-ever Labour MP, Sadik Al-Hassan
Jacob Rees-Mogg loses his seat in North East Somerset and Hanham to Labour's Dan Norris
Former Filton and Bradley Stoke MP Jack Lopresti said the Conservatives need to "learn the lessons"
Labour gain Weston-super-Mare
Karin Smyth, Labour candidate for Bristol South, keeps her seat

Green Party co-leader GAINS Waveney Valley from Tories

Chris Jarvis 

Left Foot Forward

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The Green Party’s co-leader Adrian Ramsay Adrian Ramsay has been elected as the MP for Waveney Valley.

Ramsay’s victory comes on an historic night for the Greens as he is the third MP elected for the party.

Before the 2024 general election, the Green Party had never won more than one MP.

Ramsay won 41.7% of the vote to the Tories’ 30.3%.

Speaking following his election, Ramsay said: “The voters of Waveney Valley have made a momentous and exciting decision today to vote for positive change, and I am profoundly humbled by the faith they have placed in me and the Green Party in electing me as their MP.

“I promise each and every one of them, whether they voted for me or not, that I will do my utmost to make sure their voices are heard by those who have neglected them, and rural East Anglia, for so long.

“Waveney Valley voters have shown that they no longer want to tolerate the complacency of the Conservative Party, who have always treated this region as their own, and that they want an MP who will stand up for and listen to local people.

“Today, in the beautiful Waveney Valley, we have made history. The people of Waveney Valley have shown that the Green Party appeals just as much in rural areas as it does in the cities. People here have embraced our message of hope and positivity, that there is action that can and must be taken to defend our environment and restore our public services – and that’s what I’ll be pressing for, on behalf of local people.

“I pledged during my campaign that I and any other Green Party MPs elected would hold the new Government to account and push for the action needed on the issues that people are most concerned about, and I recommit to that pledge today.

“I’ve had thousands of conversations with local residents over the last few years and I know they want an active and visible local MP, as well as someone who will be an independent-minded MP in Parliament. I am determined to fulfil that role. As a native East Anglian, I am clear that I will be Waveney Valley’s voice in Westminster, not Westminster’s voice in Waveney Valley. Standing up for our area and striving to make a difference for local people will be my top priority.

“Residents have said they are impressed at the strength of the local Green campaign and I must thank the amazing small team of staff and large team of volunteers who have put in an incredible amount of work and a highly organised campaign to make this happen. To everyone who voted for me, and everyone who has supported my campaign in any way: thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Ramsay’s co-leader Carla Denyer was elected in Bristol Central. In North Herefordshire, the Greens’ Ellie Chowns unseated a Tory MP.

Chris Jarvis is head of strategy and development at Left Foot Forward

SCOTTISH GREENS SECURE RECORD RESULTS ACROSS SCOTLAND

It has been a record general election result for the Scottish Greens.

With record results across the country, it has been a successful general election for the Scottish Greens and a big step towards securing record numbers of MSPs in 2026 and councillors in 2027. 

The party has significantly grown its vote across Scotland after a campaign that saw them stand a record 44 candidates.

This comes alongside a record UK-wide Green result and four Green MPs being elected to Westminster for England.

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for the Scottish Greens. Every Green vote has sent a powerful message, demanding real action for people and planet and supporting Scotland’s right to choose its own future.

“These results are an important springboard for the Scottish Greens and show that we are well on track for big gains as we approach the next Scottish election in 2026 and the local elections in 2027.

“We have established our party as the third political force in Glasgow and have broken new ground across the country. 

“There have also been fantastic results for Green candidates in England, and I am certain that the four new Green MPs will be outstanding advocates for the transformative politics that we urgently need. 

“Like so many people in Scotland, I am delighted to see the Tories out of office. The scale of Labour’s victory shows the clear desire to close the door on 14 years of cruel, incompetent and climate wrecking Tory governments.

“Simply not being Rishi Sunak is not enough though. It’s not just a change in Prime Minister that we need, it is a change in politics.

“The Labour Party talked a lot about change, but their manifesto was one of the least ambitious in living memory. They have offered very little for our climate and nothing that will truly tackle the vast inequality that has been allowed to grow so much in our society. 

“Scotland cannot afford five more years of tepid status quo politics, and nor can our planet. We need bold policies that live up to the scale of the crisis our climate faces.

“The Scottish Greens stood on a platform of action to tackle poverty and the climate emergency, with a £28 billion green investment plan funded by taxes on the super rich and the big polluters. These are the kinds of ambitious changes that are badly needed.

“Scottish Green voices have never been so vital. We will build on this positive result and continue to fight for people and planet.”

'Bizarre': Anger as BBC passes over Greens despite equalling Reform in MPs

GREEN politicians have hit out at the BBC after their party was largely passed over in election coverage despite historic gains.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK was a key point of discussion on BBC General Election coverage throughout the night, but despite winning the same number of seats the Greens hardly featured.

Carla Denyer, one of the co-leaders of the Greens in England and Wales, defeated Labour frontbencher Thangam Debbonaire in a huge win that saw her win more than 50% of the vote.

Green councillor Nate Higgins wrote on social media: “Waiting patiently for the BBC to mention Carla’s incredible win.”

Responding, Green MSP Ross Greer wrote: “Lots of great people at the BBC but their coverage tonight was bizarre.

“In this case they didn't go live to a party leader's sensational win over a shadow cabinet minister.

“Instead they stayed with the lengthy speech from Suella Braverman.”

Farage won the seat of Clacton, and his victory and following speech was broadcast on the BBC.

Denyer’s co-leader Adrian Ramsay also won his seat, overturning a Tory majority of 22,000 in Waveney Valley, a rural constituency in the east of England. Neither was shown on BBC coverage.

The Greens also won in Brighton Pavilion, which had been held by their party’s sole MP Caroline Lucas since 2010, and in North Herefordshire.

Green councillor Alex Powell wrote on social media: “So, like, are the media going to even mention North Herefordshire or Waveney Valley?

“You know, you'd think the Greens, historically viewed as very city focused, winning two rural Conservative heartlands might be something political journalists wished to discuss…”

Higgins also shared a post which stated: “Reform get four seats and the BBC talks about them for hours.

“The Greens get four seats and get about 20 minutes in total.”

Another social media user shared an image from the BBC showing five parties and their seat total, which included Reform and Farage, but excluded the Greens despite them also winning four MPs.

Higgins wrote: "Genuinely stunned how little attention the BBC has paid to Carla’s win. Literally five words. Shockingly poor judgement. This is historic."

And Powell added: "And then full coverage of both Farage and [Reform chair Richard] Tice's speech. Finding it very hard not to view it as bias."

Sinn Fein becomes largest Northern Ireland party in UK parliament

FILE PHOTO: Irish vote in European parliamentary elections

By Amanda Ferguson

BELFAST (Reuters) - Irish nationalists Sinn Fein became Northern Ireland's largest party in the British parliament for the first time on Friday, capitalising on a poor election for its main unionist rival to cross off another milestone in its campaign to end British rule.

With 17 of the 18 seats declared, the former political wing of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) had retained the seven seats won at the last election. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) were second on four seats and cannot catch Sinn Fein.


That was down on the eight seats the DUP won in 2019 and the losses included Ian Paisley Jr., the son of former Northern Ireland First Minister and party founder Ian Paisley. The father and son had held a seat at Westminster since 1970.

The DUP, the largest pro-British party in Northern Ireland, fought the election just three months after the shock resignation of then leader Jeffrey Donaldson after he was charged over historical sex offences.

Sinn Fein's victory marked an electoral clean sweep for the party, which in 2022 became the first nationalist party to win the most seats at the regional assembly since Northern Ireland's creation in 1921, and won at local council polls a year later.

It also took over as Northern Ireland's largest party in Westminster despite its long-standing policy of not taking up its seats there.

(Writing by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Conor Humphries)

Gregory Campbell retains East Londonderry by slim margin over Sinn Fein

Sarah McCurdy, PA
Fri, 5 July 2024 


Gregory Campbell has promised to build a “better future for our people” as he retained the East Londonderry seat he has held for 23 years.

Mr Campbell, who has now topped the poll for the DUP in seven consecutive general elections, received just 179 more votes than Sinn Fein’s Kathleen McGurk.

The last of the 18 Northern Ireland constituencies to be called, the announcement was made shortly before 8am on Friday after a full recount.

After promising a short speech, Mr Campbell said: “I couldn’t have had a better team, they canvassed thousands upon thousands of doors and I thank them one and all.

Kathleen McGurk of Sinn Fein hugged party deputy leader Michelle O’Neill as she conceded defeat in East Londonderry at Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt (Niall Carson/PA)

“Thirty years ago, those who had started the needless slaughter of the innocents finally realised that they had to stop.

“Those who held the line against them, forcing them to do so were the peacemakers. We’re in a different era now thanks to those genuine peacemakers.

“There is no disguising that there is still massive political differences between all of us on the platform and out there in the country.

“We must build a better future for our people, those we agree with and those we disagree with.

“As we build that better future there cannot be any rewriting of the past.

“Those here in Northern Ireland advocating massive change of a political nature are doomed to failure.

“We are where we are. Let’s show the people, all of the people, that we are up to the task of improving their lives of those we are privileged to represent.”

Whilst claiming victory, the DUP reduced its majority for the first time since the 2010 election, not helped by the fact that three unionist candidates were standing this time round.

The TUV, who did not contest East Londonderry in the previous general election, fielded Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Allister Kyle. He finished on 4,363.

Mr Campbell’s nearest challenger in 2019, Cara Hunter of the SDLP, saw her vote share at 5,260.

Turnout for East Londonderry was 54.7%.



Sinn Féin on course to have more MPs than any other Northern Ireland party

Rory Carroll 

Ireland correspondent

Thu, 4 July 2024 


Sinn Féin leaders Michelle O'Neill and Mary Lou McDonald celebrate as Cathal Mallaghan is elected MP for Mid Ulster.Photograph: Niall Carson/PA


The Democratic Unionist party (DUP) is on track to lose three of its eight seats, which would leave Sinn Féin as the Northern Ireland party with most MPs.

The DUP lost the Lagan Valley seat vacated by its former leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who faces sexual offence charges, and suffered a stunning defeat in North Antrim where Ian Paisley lost a seat held by his family since 1970. It also lost South Antrim and had reduced majorities elsewhere.

The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV), Ulster Unionists and Alliance were poised to take the DUP seats but the symbolic winner will be Sinn Féin which retained its seven seats and is on course to complete a hat-trick as the biggest party in local government, the Stormont assembly and Westminster.

The DUP leader, Gavin Robinson, fended off a challenge from Alliance’s Naomi Long in East Belfast but that could not conceal a devastating election for unionism’s biggest party.

Its record on Brexit and other missteps left it squeezed between moderate and hardline rivals.

In an astonishing reversal in North Antrim, Paisley, the son and namesake of the DUP’s late founder, came second to Jim Allister of the TUV, who blamed the DUP for post-Brexit checks on goods coming from Great Britain, which he said weakened Northern Ireland’s place in the UK.

“This is a momentous outcome and is the end of an era and a dynasty,” said Allister. “Unionism does need to regroup in the light of what has happened and the DUP needs to carry the responsibility for their losses.”

Reform had originally backed the TUV but after becoming leader, Nigel Farage endorsed Paisley, a Brexiter ally. “I might say I’m here in spite of you, Nigel,” said Allister. Paisley conceded defeat and said the tides of life ebbed and flowed.

Sorcha Eastwood of Alliance won Lagan Valley in a historic swing for what used to be a unionist bastion. The DUP fielded Jonathan Buckley to replace Donaldson, who had held the seat for decades and stepped aside after being charged with sexual offences, which he denies.

Eastwood called it a “huge achievement” for her party. “I’m a Lagan Valley girl born and bred, and this has been in our heart for a long time and I’m just delighted,” she said. Alliance’s joy was tempered by its deputy leader, Stephen Farry, losing his seat in North Down to the independent unionist Alex Eastwood.

The Ulster Unionist candidate Robin Swann, a former Stormont health minister, ousted the DUP’s Paul Girvan as MP for South Antrim.

The Social Democratic and Labour party retained its two MPs, Colum Eastwood and Claire Hanna.

Sinn Féin held its seven seats and whittled the majority of the East Derry seat held by the DUP’s Gregory Campbell, prompting a recount. The republican party’s leader, Michelle O’Neill, called it a “tremendous result right across the board”.

Sinn Fein’s new MP for Newry and Armagh promises ‘positive change’

Joanne Sweeney, PA
Thu, 4 July 2024 



Sinn Fein’s new MP for Newry and Armagh said that his supporters voted for “strong leadership and positive change” as he celebrated gaining an increased majority for his party.

Daire Hughes polled top with 22,299 votes, gaining an extra 2,012 votes more than Sinn Fein’s departing MP, Mickey Brady, who announced his intention not to stand again in the safe seat earlier this year.

The former mayor of Newry and Mourne council said: “This election was about endorsing strong leadership and positive change and the people of Newry and Armagh have done just that.

“They voted for decisions about their future to be made here, at home, in Ireland. They voted to support better funding for public services. I would like to thank each and every person who voted for me and Sinn Fein yesterday. We are committed to working hard for all and that is precisely what we intend to do.”

He pledged to oppose UK Government cuts and to work for a united Ireland in partnership with all of Sinn Fein’s MLAs, TDs and MEPs to “reach our economic, cultural and social potential”.

The SDLP’s Pete Byrne came second, losing ground from his previous election performance, receiving 6,806 votes compared to 9,449 in 2019.

He told his supporters: “I came into politics to make this place a better place to live, work and raise a family. I said when I stood here in 2019 in third place that I was just rolling up my sleeves. They are still fully rolled up; I still believe in that vision.”

Gareth Wilson of the Democratic Unionist Party took third place with 5,900 votes; with Keith Ratcliffe of the TUV receiving 4,099 votes.

Sam Nicholson, son of former MEP Jim Nicholson, polled 3,175 votes. Helena Young of the Alliance Party received 2,692 votes. Aontu’s Liam Reichenberg won 888 votes, while Conservative Samantha Rayner got 83.

Allister unseats Paisley in shock victory in North Antrim

by Press Association
July 5 2024,

The DUP’s Ian Paisley Jr, who had held the North Antrim seat since 2010, lost to TUV leader Jim Allister (Niall Carson/PA)

There has been a “seismic political earthquake” in North Antrim, TUV leader Jim Allister said as he was elected the constituency’s MP.

It meant Ian Paisley Jr lost the seat he has held since 2010, in a shock end to a family dynasty in the region.

Mr Allister was elected MP with 28.3% of the valid poll – 11,642 votes, a narrow majority of just 450.

North Antrim was regarded as one of the safest DUP constituencies going into the election, having been held by either Mr Paisley or his father since 1970.

TUV leader Jim Allister of the TUV is elected MP for North Antrim following the count at Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt (Niall Carson/PA)

Mr Paisley Jr came a close second with 11,192 votes – in a dramatic negative 23.6 point share change.

Speaking at the Magherafelt count centre after his election, Mr Allister took aim at the DUP’s negotiations with the UK Government over post-Brexit trade arrangements, particularly under the leadership of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

He said: “Today we mark an occasion when, after 54 years of DUP and Ian Paisley dynasty, North Antrim has taken an alternative course.

“That is an alternative course which signals a number of things. Amongst those is a very clear indication that the unionist people of North Antrim will not be taken for granted and certainly will not be taken for fools.

“Because the DUP just a few weeks ago, sought to hoodwink every unionist in this province, when they pretended the Donaldson deal had got rid of the Irish Sea border and restored our place in the United Kingdom – those were brazen falsehoods.”

Ian Paisley Jr watches a partial recount of votes for the North Antrim constituency at Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magherafelt (Niall Carson/PA

Mr Allister pledged to “never lose focus” on issues such as EU law operating in Northern Ireland, adding: “It is beyond shameful that in this part of the United Kingdom there has been that subjugation of sovereignty whereby the foreign institution holds sway and control in our lives.”

He said North Antrim now has a “new starting point”.

There had been a decline in Mr Paisley’s majority in recent elections but in 2019 he was still far ahead – by 12,721 votes.

Speaking on Friday morning, the outgoing MP congratulated his successor and commended the other candidates.

Mr Paisley said being a Member of Parliament for 14 years was a “huge privilege”.

The tides of life ebb and flow, as we all know. Life is made up of many chapters and I embrace the next chapter as happily as I embraced the previous chaptersIan Paisley Jr

He said: “The tides of life ebb and flow, as we all know.”

He added: “Life is made up of many chapters and I embrace the next chapter as happily as I embraced the previous chapters.”

Mr Allister’s decision to run in the constituency had been expected to put a dent in Mr Paisley’s majority but his victory is seen as one of the major surprises of election night.


His party suffered a major blow last month when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage personally endorsed Mr Paisley and another DUP election candidate, despite his party having an official electoral alliance with the TUV in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein’s Philip McGuigan received 7,714 votes, while 4,488 went to Alliance’s Raicheal Mhic Niocaill, and Ulster Unionist Jackson Minford claimed 3,901.

TUV leader Jim Allister unseats Ian Paisley in shock victory in North Antrim

By Cillian Sherlock
Published 5th Jul 2024

There has been a “seismic political earthquake” in North Antrim, TUV leader Jim Allister said as he was elected the constituency’s MP.

It meant Ian Paisley Jr lost the seat he has held since 2010, in a shock end to a family dynasty in the region.

Mr Allister was elected MP with 28.3% of the valid poll – 11,642 votes, a narrow majority of just 450.

North Antrim was regarded as one of the safest DUP constituencies going into the election, having been held by either Mr Paisley or his father since 1970.

Ian Paisley loses his North Antrim seat at Meadowbank Sports Arena, Magherafelt. Picture: Niall Carson/PA Wire

Mr Paisley Jr came a close second with 11,192 votes – in a dramatic negative 23.6 point share change.

Speaking at the Magherafelt count centre after his election, Mr Allister took aim at the DUP’s negotiations with the UK Government over post-Brexit trade arrangements, particularly under the leadership of Sir Jeffrey Donaldson.

He said: “Today we mark an occasion when, after 54 years of DUP and Ian Paisley dynasty, North Antrim has taken an alternative course.

“That is an alternative course which signals a number of things. Amongst those is a very clear indication that the unionist people of North Antrim will not be taken for granted and certainly will not be taken for fools.

“Because the DUP just a few weeks ago, sought to hoodwink every unionist in this province, when they pretended the Donaldson deal had got rid of the Irish Sea border and restored our place in the United Kingdom – those were brazen falsehoods.”

Mr Allister pledged to “never lose focus” on issues such as EU law operating in Northern Ireland, adding: “It is beyond shameful that in this part of the United Kingdom there has been that subjugation of sovereignty whereby the foreign institution holds sway and control in our lives.”

He said North Antrim now has a “new starting point”.

There had been a decline in Mr Paisley’s majority in recent elections but in 2019 he was still far ahead – by 12,721 votes.

Speaking on Friday morning, the outgoing MP congratulated his successor and commended the other candidates.

Mr Paisley said being a Member of Parliament for 14 years was a “huge privilege”.

He said: “The tides of life ebb and flow, as we all know.”

He added: “Life is made up of many chapters and I embrace the next chapter as happily as I embraced the previous chapters.”

Mr Allister’s decision to run in the constituency had been expected to put a dent in Mr Paisley’s majority but his victory is seen as one of the major surprises of election night.

His party suffered a major blow last month when Reform UK leader Nigel Farage personally endorsed Mr Paisley and another DUP election candidate, despite his party having an official electoral alliance with the TUV in Northern Ireland.

Sinn Fein’s Philip McGuigan received 7,714 votes, while 4,488 went to Alliance’s Raicheal Mhic Niocaill, and Ulster Unionist Jackson Minford claimed 3,901.

The Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) is a unionist political party in Northern Ireland. In common with all other Northern Irish unionist parties, the TUV's political programme has as its sine qua non the preservation of Northern Ireland's place within the United Kingdom. A founding precept of the party is that "nothing which is morally wrong can be politically right".^[6]

The TUV was formed in December 2007 by Jim Allister after he and others had resigned from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) in March of that year.^[7] At the time of his resignation, Allister was a prominent figure in the DUP and held the position of Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for the party having been elected to the European Parliament in 2004. The reason for the split was DUP leader Ian Paisley's March 2007 consent to the St Andrews Agreement and his willingness to become First Minister of Northern Ireland alongside a deputy First Minister from the Irish Republican party Sinn Féin.^[8]

Traditional Unionist Voice - Wikipedia

N.Ireland's Donaldson to go to trial over rape, other sexual offence charges

Charges of historical sex offences against the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP)

Reuters
Wed, 3 July 2024 



Northern Ireland's Donaldson in court for a preliminary enquiry over historical sex offence charges

NEWRY, Northern Ireland (Reuters) - Charges of historical sex offences against the former leader of Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), Jeffrey Donaldson, can proceed to trial, a judge ruled on Wednesday after prosecutors presented further charges.

Donaldson, 61, stepped down suddenly as head of the British region's largest unionist party in March after the DUP said he had been charged with allegations of an historical nature. He is one of Northern Ireland's best-known politicians.

Donaldson, who appeared in court on Wednesday, faces 18 historical sex offence charges, including one count of rape. Prosecutors had originally brought 11 charges against him.

The charges include 13 counts of indecent assault on a female child and four counts of gross indecency towards a child. The charges relate to two complainants and the events allegedly took place between 1985 and 2008.

Donaldson's wife, Eleanor, also appeared in court and faces five charges, including aiding and abetting rape. She had initially faced four charges.

Judge Eamonn King said he was satisfied that both have a case to answer. He asked them if they understood the charges, which they confirmed. No pleas were taken.

The matter will be back before the court on Sept. 10 when the trial will be scheduled.

(This story has been corrected to fix the start date of charges, to 1985 from 1987, in paragraph 4)

(Reporting by Amanda Ferguson anfd Padraic Halpin; editing by Mark Heinrich)

Pro-Gaza candidates squeeze Labour vote in Muslim areas

By Becky Morton, 

BBC Political reporter


Labour has lost a number of former strongholds to independent candidates campaigning on pro-Gaza platforms.

In one of the biggest shocks of the night, shadow minister Jonathan Ashworth lost his Leicester South seat, which had a majority of more than 22,000.

The party's vote is down on average by 11 points in seats where more than 10% of the population identify as Muslim.

In Ilford North, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting was among those who saw his majority slashed - from more than 9,000 to 528.

But Labour managed to win back Rochdale from George Galloway.

Overall it was a spectacular night for Labour, with the party winning a landslide victory.

However, in areas with a high proportion of Muslim voters the party performed badly.

So far, Labour has lost five seats with large Muslim populations - four to independents and one to the Conservatives.

In Leicester South, Shockat Adam declared "this is for Gaza" as he won the seat by 979 votes.

The constituency, where around 30% of the electorate are Muslim, has been held by Mr Ashworth for 13 years.

In nearby Leicester East, the Conservatives benefitted from independent candidates picking up several thousand votes, particularly the area's former Labour MP Claudia Webbe.

Ms Webbe, who was expelled from the party after she was charged and later convicted of harassment, has been a vocal pro-Palestinian campaigner.

The Tories won her former seat by 4,426 votes, less than the number secured by Ms Webbe.

In Birmingham Perry Barr, Labour's Khalid Mahmood lost to independent Ayoub Khan by 507 votes.

Meanwhile, independent candidates who made the conflict in Gaza central to their campaign won in Dewsbury and Batley, as well as Blackburn, which both previously had healthy Labour majorities.

Other senior Labour figures in areas with large Muslim populations only narrowly held their seats after seeing their majorities eaten away.

In Ilford North, independent candidate Leanne Mohamad, who is the granddaughter of Palestinian refugees, was just 528 votes behind Mr Streeting.

In Birmingham Ladywood, shadow justice secretary Shabana Mahmood held off a challenge from independent candidate and lawyer Akhmed Yakoob, who has a large following on TikTok.

However, her majority fell from more than 32,000 to 3,421.

Similarly Jess Phillips, who quit the Labour frontbench to vote for a Gaza ceasefire in Parliament last year, also saw her majority slashed from 13,141 to just 693.

Jody McIntyre, who stood for Mr Galloway's Workers Party of Britain, came second.

Ms Phillips faced shouts and booing as she gave her speech after the result, describing the campaign as "the worst election I have ever stood in" and claiming her activists had faced intimidation and violence.

In Bethnal Green and Stepney, in east London, shadow small business minister Rushnara Ali, who was defending a majority of more than 31,000, beat independent candidate Ajmal Masroor by just 1,689 votes.

At his own count, Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer faced heckles of "Free Palestine" and saw his majority cut, with pro-Gaza independent Andrew Feinsten coming second with 7,312 votes.

In Islington North, his predecessor as Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn retained his seat as an independent, after being suspended from the party over his response to a report on antisemitism in Labour.

Mr Corbyn beat the Labour candidate by more than 7,000 votes.

However, in Rochdale, Labour's Paul Waugh ousted Workers Party leader Mr Galloway, just months after he won the seat in a by-election dominated by the Gaza conflict.

Labour has faced growing pressure over its stance on the conflict, since Israel launched a military campaign in response to Hamas's unprecedented attack on 7 October.

In February Labour called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza but critics said the party was too slow to reach that position.

In its manifesto, Labour has committed to recognising a Palestinian state.

Last year, Sir Keir was criticised after appearing to say Israel had the "right" to cut off water and energy to Gaza.

He later clarified that he meant only that the country had a right to self-defence.

"This is for Gaza"

Independent candidate overturns Labour’s Blackburn majority in historic victory


Friday 5 July 2024 

Credit: Adnan Hussain


An independent candidate has claimed a historic victory in the General Election - overturning Labour's 18,000-plus majority claiming "This is for Gaza".

Labour had held power in Blackburn since it was formed in 1955, but Adnan Hussain took the seat by just 132 votes.

Mr Hussain’s campaign had the support of local councillors who resigned from Labour in protest over the party’s reaction to the Israel-Hamas conflict and formed the 4BwD group which, following the May local elections, became the borough’s second largest party and official opposition to Labour.

The North West General Election 2024 results


A monotone map: The North West turns red as Labour make gains across the region

In his victory speech, he said: "This is for Gaza. I can’t deny the fact that I stand here on this platform before you is a result of a protest vote on the back of a genocide.

"I feel a mixed amount of emotion, one that I can’t truly explain… I can’t forget the reason why I’m here.

"I thank Kate Hollern for the contribution that she has made to our town. She has spoken about Palestine but I’m going to take it a lot further.”

He said he intended to “speak for every single person this town” and people were “disillusioned with mainstream politics”.

Has Labour's stance on Gaza lost the party North West councils?

Kate Hollern, former Labour MP for Blackburn.

Blackburn was first held by Labour with Barbara Castle elected at its creation in 1955. She went on to hold several Cabinet positions.

Jack Straw succeeded her in 1979 and went on to become home secretary and foreign secretary before he stepped down and was replaced by Kate Hollern - who retained the seat in 2015 and had held it since.

Ms Hollern triumphed with a majority of 18,304 at the 2019 general election, but that sizeable advantage evaporated as 34-year-old solicitor Mr Hussain took the seat.
Labour would have 'duty' to play 'full part' in resolving Gaza conflict

Referring to Sir Keir Starmer in his speech, Mr Hussain added: “For a leader of a party to say it is fair to cut off the food, the water and electricity to a besieged population is something that’s truly unforgivable.

"And today Blackburn you have shown you will not accept injustice no matter who it’s against and this injustice has been against the Gazans.”

He said he intended to “speak for every single person this town” and people were “disillusioned with mainstream politics”.

He went on: “I truly believe that in a time of austerity, poverty, we have a housing crisis, we have an immigration crisis, our NHS is suffering, rather than contributing towards wars that will ultimately blow up in our faces I believe that we should be spending money on our people here at home.

“We shouldn’t have people living on the streets.”

Mr Hussain was later greeted outside the election count venue at King George’s Hall by a crowd of jubilant supporters who chanted: “Free, free Palestine.”

Gaza concerns fuel independent's win in Blackburn

By Jonny Humphries, BBC News

Adnan Hussain

Adnan Hussain had pledged to be a "voice for all my community"

An independent candidate who tapped into local residents' anger about the war in Gaza has beaten Labour in Blackburn.

Solicitor Adnan Hussein snatched a stunning victory with 10,518 votes, just ahead of Labour's Kate Hollern's 10,386.

Ms Hollern had entered the election campaign defending a healthy majority of 18,616 from the 2019 election.

Mr Hussein had pledged to be "a voice for all" in the constituency in a video address when he announced his candidacy.

The Workers Party of Britain candidate John Murray came third with 7,105 votes.

About a third of Blackburn's residents are Muslim and the previously-safe Labour seat was one of several the party felt were vulnerable due to outrage from many who felt it had not spoken out strongly enough against the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

In his candidacy video, Mr Hussain had promised to make sure constituents' concerns about Gaza were "heard loud and clear in the places where our so-called representatives have failed".

Ms Hollern's defeat was Labour's second loss to an independent, after Jonathan Ashworth lost Leicester South to Shockat Adam.

Turnout in Blackburn dropped from 61.8% in 2019 to 53.1%.

Blackburn results: Labour shock loss as East Lancs and country go red

In his acceptance speech, new Blackburn MP Mr Hussain said: "This is for Gaza.

By Bill Jacobs@BillJacobsLT

Local Democracy Reporter



BLACKBURN provided the shock of the general election as Labour lost the once safe seat by just 132 votes as the rest of East Lancashire and the UK turned red.

Defending MP Kate Hollern was defeated by Independent Adnan Hussain who told the count in his acceptance speech: "This is for Gaza".

The loss of the constituency which Labour had held since its creation in 1955 left party activists stunned as its 2019 vote of 29,040 shrank to just 10,836.

Mr Hussain - backed by the Blackburn with Darwen Council 4BwD group who quit Labour over Gaza - got 10,518 votes as Mrs Hollern's majority of 18,304 vanished into thin polling day air.

But even as Labour lost its Blackburn fortress the party won the Rossendale and Darwen, Hyndburn, Pendle and Clitheroe, Burnley and Ribble Valley seats.

And nationwide Labour secured a landslide victory.

READ MORE: Adnan Hussain swamped by supporters after historic election win

Results from East Lancashire seats in general election 2024

Rossendale and Darwen's former Tory Party chairman Sir Jake Berry, Pendle and Clitheroe's health minister Andrew Stephenson. Ribble Valley MP for 32 years Nigel Evans, Burnley's first Tory MP for more than 100 years Antony Higginbotham and Hyndburn backbencher Sara Britcliffe joined Mrs Hollern as election day losers.

In his acceptance speech, new Blackburn MP Mr Hussain said: "This is for Gaza.

"I can't deny the fact that I stand here on this platform before you as a result of a protest vote on the back of a genocide.

"I feel a mixed amount of emotion, one that I can't truly explain. There is no excitement, not even a little.

"I can't forget the reason why I am here,

"I thank Kate Hollern for the contributions that she has made to our town.

"She has spoken up about Palestine but I am going to take it a notch further and make sure that I call it what I have been calling it for the last 10 years - a genocide.

"With our disillusion with mainstream politics means that it is time that we spoke the truth.

"I truly believe in a time of austerity, poverty, a housing crisis, an immigration crisis, our NHS is suffering that rather than contributing towards wars that will ultimately blow up in our faces we should be spending money on our people here,

"We shouldn't have people living on the streets, we shouldn't have a broken NHS. We shouldn't have the worries and anxieties that our people are facing across our town.

"I intend to speak up. I intend to speak for the common man and woman. I intend to speak for every single person in this town.

"I love every single person in this town. It's truly a time when we voice their voices. We voice the voices of the voiceless."

Mrs Hollern said: "Obviously I am disappointed but that's democracy."

Workers Party of Britain candidate Craig Murray came third in Blackburn with 7,105 votes with Reform UK's Tommy Temperley fourth with 4,844.

Conservative Jamie McGowan got just 3,474 compared to the party's 2019 second place performance of 10,736.

Liberal Democrat Adam Waller-Slack got 689 votes, down on his 1,130 in 2019, the Green Party's Denise Morgan 1,416.

The two remaining Independents Natasha Shah and Tiger Patel, who pulled out of the race to support Mr Murray, got 86 and 369 votes respectively.

With Blackburn one of the last seats to declare a result as dawn broke over the King George's Hall count venue after two partial recounts of bundles of votes, the implications of losing one of its safest seats for many years will reverberate through Labour.


Former UK ambassador to Uzbekistan Mr Murray said: "I think this is the most spectacular result of the whole general election.

"It's astonishing. It's a two-thirds collapse of the Labour vote. It's amazing.

"I was quite surprised I got so many votes."

GENERAL ELECTION 2024 RESULTS FOR BLACKBURN

Blackburn – Independent WIN

Adnan Hussain - Independent 10,518

Kate Hollern - Labour 10,386

Jamie McGowan - Conservative 3,474

Denise Morgan - Green 1,416

Craig Murray - Workers Party 7,105

Tiger Patel - Independent 369

Natasha Shah - Independent 86

Tommy Temperley - Reform UK 4,844

Adam Waller-Slack - Liberal Democrat 689

YORKSHIRE

Shock Independent win for Dewsbury in Labour landslide for Kirklees

Projections had shown all five seats were likely to be held or gained by Labour but this wasn't the case

Independent candidate, Iqbal Mohammad, was elected, taking almost 7,000 more votes than Labour’s Heather Iqbal.

NEWS
By Abigail Marlow

Local Democracy Reporter

5 JUL 2024


After a long night in Kirklees and thousands of votes counted, Dewsbury and Batley has an Independent MP, and Labour has taken the borough’s four remaining constituencies.

Going into the election, projections had shown that all five seats that cover Kirklees - Colne Valley, Dewsbury and Batley, Huddersfield, Ossett and Denby Dale, and Spen Valley - were expected to be held or gained by Labour, and this eventuality played out to a large degree at Huddersfield’s Cathedral House through the night. Here, votes were counted for four of the five seats

Paul Davies (Colne Valley), Harpreet Uppal (Huddersfield), and Kim Leadbeater (Spen Valley), were all elected to represent their constituencies, as was Jade Botterill (Ossett and Denby Dale) at the count in Wakefield. When it came to Dewsbury and Batley, Independent candidate, Iqbal Mohammad, was elected, taking almost 7,000 more votes than Labour’s Heather Iqbal.

Below is a more in-depth constituency-by-constituency breakdown of how the night played out:

Colne Valley

The Colne Valley seat has been closely contested in previous elections, and this year saw Labour’s Paul Davies and Tory MP Jason McCartney competing for top spot, with Davies successful in this feat gaining 18,970 votes to McCartney's 14,007.

The seat has changed hands between Labour and Conservative several times in recent years, with 2017 seeing just over 900 votes securing the victory of Labour’s Thelma Walker, pipping Tory MP Jason McCartney to the post. Two years later, McCartney reclaimed the seat but was unable to cling on this time.

As for other parties, the election saw Reform’s Stuart Hale take 7,298 votes, and Heather Louise Peacock gain 3,480 for the Greens. Katherine Macy followed with 2,007 votes for the Lib Dems, with Yorkshire Party candidate Timothy Millea receiving 459.

Speaking on the stage following his win, Paul Davies said: “I recognise that there will be many people who have voted for Labour for the first time in this election and I thank them for doing so. And I reassure them that I will do everything I can to deliver the change the people have voted for.

“Of course, there will be those of you who have not voted for me and to all of you I assure you that I will work tirelessly in your interests as well and be a voice and representative for the whole of Colne Valley, Holme Valley and Lindley, in Westminster.”

Dewsbury and Batley

If Kirklees’ local elections were anything to go by, the Dewsbury and Batley seat was set to be an exciting battle between Labour’s Heather Iqbal and Independent Iqbal Mohamed. When it came down to it, Iqbal Mohamed was triumphant taking a sizable majority, with almost 7,000 votes separating him and runner-up Heather Iqbal.

Next was Reform with Johnathan Robert Thackray with 6,152 votes, followed by the Conservatives’ candidate, Lalit Raghunath Suryawanshi, with 4,182. Simon John Cope gained 2,048 votes for the Greens, and finally, the Lib Dems’ John Edward Rossington took 1,340 votes.

In his victory speech, the newly-elected MP said: “Dewsbury and Batley are no longer shackled to a failed party system that has dominated our towns for far too long. This is our opportunity to speak without fear, without favour, and with absolute honesty.”

Ossett and Denby Dale

Previously held by Mark Eastwood, the former Dewsbury seat had been Conservative for the past five years. Like Colne Valley, the seat has switched between Labour and the Tories before, with Labour holding power between 1987 and 2010, then again from 2015 to 2019.

At this election, Eastwood had opted to stand in the newly-formed Ossett and Denby Dale seat but Labour’s Jade Botterill was elected taking 39.3 percent of the vote, compared to Eastwood’s 28.9 percent. Reform came in next with Sandra Senior on 9,224 votes, followed by the Greens’ Neil Doig taking 2,132.

Then was James Wilkinson for the Lib Dems with 1,785 votes, and finally Yorkshire Party candidate David Herdson with 810 votes.

Huddersfield

As a traditionally safe Labour seat, there was little doubt Huddersfield would be anything other following this election. Harpreet Uppal will be continuing the town’s Labour legacy, taking the seat from outgoing MP Barry Sheerman, who served the town for an impressive 45 years.

The General Election 2024 count taking place in Kirklees (Image: Abigail Marlow)

Taking a comfortable majority, Harpreet received 15,101 votes, with Green candidate Andrew Cooper gaining 10,568. Next was Tory candidate Tony McGrath with 6559 votes, then Reform’s Susan Laird with 6,196 votes, and Lib Dem candidate Jan Alexander Dobrucki at 1,741.

Harpreet Uppal described her election as the ‘honour of her life’ and said: “Thank you to the people of Huddersfield for putting your trust in me and the Labour Party. After 14 years of Conservative failure you have demanded change - change for our town and change for our country.”

Spen Valley

A by-election in 2021 saw Kim Leadbeater clinch the Batley and Spen seat with a narrow victory of just a few hundred votes, taking over from Tracy Brabin who stood down to become Mayor of West Yorkshire. This time, standing for the recently-established Spen Valley ward, Kim’s majority certainly was not slim, with the MP taking 16,076 votes.

In second place was Reform's Sarah Louise Wood who took 9,888 of the votes, with the Conservatives coming closely in third with Laura Kathryn Evans on 9,859. Next up were the Greens with Sean Price taking 2,284 votes, followed by Independent Javed Bashir with 1,526 and Lib Dem Alison Brelsford with 1,425.

Kim Leadbeater said: “I can commit myself here and now to work for every town and village across our beautiful area with every ounce of energy I have - and as many people know, that’s quite a lot. To the people of Spen Valley - thank you for putting your trust in me and for believing that we can change things for the better. Not just here but across the country.”

 

George Galloway beaten by Labour in Rochdale seat just four months after shock by-election win

5 July 2024

Veteran left-winger George Galloway has lost the Rochdale constituency. Picture: Alamy

 

By Will Conroy

Veteran left-winger George Galloway has lost the Rochdale constituency just four months after winning the seat in a shock by-election victory.

The leader of the Workers Party did not attend the count at Rochdale Leisure Centre to hear the General Election result.

After securing 11,587 votes, Mr Galloway was beaten by Labour’s Paul Waugh, a political journalist, who won with 13,027 votes. Reform UK's Michael Howard came third, with 6,773 votes.

Following defeat, Mr Galloway posted on X: "I thank the people of Rochdale who gave me 54 sitting days in the last parliament as their MP.

After securing 11,587 votes, Mr Galloway was beaten by Labour’s Paul Waugh. Picture: Alamy

"Big thanks to my agent, my campaign team and the thousands who voted for me today.

"We took the government party to within 1500 votes and serve notice on Labour that we are here to stay in Rochdale.

"We will field a full slate of council candidates, establish a full-time office there, campaign to re-open the Maternity Ward and A&E, and keep up the pressure on Labour in the town."

The former Labour and Respect member secured a convincing victory in Rochdale in February after winning more than 6,000 votes.

He gained almost 40% of the vote in the by-election after Labour withdrew support for its candidate Azhar Ali. Picture: Alamy

He gained almost 40% of the vote in a contest that was centred around the Gaza war after Labour withdrew support for its candidate Azhar Ali over remarks widely alleged to be antisemitic.

After his victory earlier this year, Mr Galloway said: "Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak are two cheeks of the same backside and they both got well and truly spanked."

Read more: Shellshocked Liz Truss motionless on stage as she loses to Labour by just 600 votes

Read more: ‘We did it’: Starmer says Britain has chance to ‘get its future back’ as Labour wins election

Mr Galloway was a Labour MP until 2003, before sitting in the Commons as an independent and Respect Party MP for three constituencies between 2003 and 2015.

Palestine has been a major theme of Mr Galloway's political career, throughout which he has opposed British and US foreign policies.

George Galloway loses Rochdale seat to Labour's Paul Waugh

Consortium News/Wikimedia Commons

Author: Callum McIntyre

George Galloway has lost the Rochdale constituency just 54 days after winning the seat in a shock by-election.

The leader of the Workers Party has been removed from parliament after conceding his seat to Labour candidate Paul Waugh by 1,400 votes.

George Galloway chose not to attend the count to hear the General Election result at Rochdale Leisure Centre.

Paul Waugh won the most votes for the constituency with 13,027, whilst Galloway took 11,600.

After that came Reform UK with the third highest number of votes, ahead of the Conservatives.

After defeat Mr Galloway took to X, formerly Twitter, to say: "I thank the people of Rochdale who gave me 54 sitting days in the last parliament as their MP.

"Big thanks to my agent, my campaign team and the thousands who voted for me today.

"We took the government party to within 1500 votes and serve notice on Labour that we are here to stay in Rochdale.

"We will field a full slate of council candidates, establish a full-time office there, campaign to re-open the Maternity Ward and A&E, and keep up the pressure on Labour in the town."

Former Labour and Respect member, Mr Galloway, swept to victory in Rochdale in February gaining almost 40% of the vote in a contest mired in chaos and controversy and dominated by the Gaza war.

Labour have swept across constituencies and gained territory around the country by winning parliamentary seats they haven't held since 2019.

Paul Waugh began his victory speech thanking George for his service, which was followed by shouts and heckles from the crowd.

Waugh said: "I know many of you have voted Labour here for the very first time. I'll do everything I can to repay that trust that every Labour voter has placed in me.

"And for those who didn't vote for me, I will work tirelessly on your behalf too."

He added: "Tonight's result's, here and across the country, show that no vote for any party can ever be taken for granted.

"They have to be earnt."

A FIRST

Glasgow election results in full as Labour oust SNP in every seat in the city

The SNP came second to Labour in every Glasgow constituency as the Greens finished third and Reform beat the Conservatives to take fourth.


NEWS By Drew Sandelands

Local Democracy Reporter
Sarah Hilley

Local Democracy Reporter

Maureen Burke (third from left), the new MP for Glasgow North East, with Labour colleagues at the Emirates Arena. 

Image by Sarah Hilley.

Glasgow Labour has ousted the SNP to take over every constituency in the city with all six nationalist candidates losing their seats. The Scottish Greens got the third highest number of votes coming behind the SNP.

And in a shock for the Conservative candidates, Reform candidates outperformed them in every seat in the city.

There were joyous scenes among Labour members during the count at the Emirates Arena at around 4am this morning while the mood among the SNP party was subdued.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar turned up to cheers and clapping before a single official result was announced.

Labour's Patricia Ferguson took Glasgow West beating the SNP's Carol Monaghan by about 6,000 votes.

After the win, Mrs Ferguson said the Labour Government will deliver economic stability, cheaper bills courtesy of GB Energy and cut NHS waiting lists among other plans.

She added: "It is clear people want change and across Glasgow it is no different. I look forward to working with all my colleagues to make that change a reality for all the citizens of Glasgow."

John Grady, who triumphed in Glasgow East, said: "I thank all of the voters of Glasgow East who put their trust in me to be their MP. It is my duty and honour to as an MP to represent each and every resident in Glasgow."

A total of 15,543 people voted for Mr Grady while the SNP's David Linden lost the seat with 11,759 votes.

Conservative candidate and councillor Thomas Kerr got 1,707 votes coming behind Reform's Donnie McLeod with 2371 votes.

Councillor Kerr said he believes it was a "protest vote."

He said: “I think people are fed up, they’re angry. There’s been 14 years of government in charge at Westminster, 17 years of the Holyrood government.

“People were scunnered with both parties and looked to let out their anger and let out their frustration. Sadly we lost votes to Reform, we were squeezed because of tactical voting to try and oust the SNP, that’s how we ended up where we are.

He added: “I think they are a protest vote. People are angry and they are frustrated. They are letting out their anger and I understand completely."

New Glasgow South Labour MP Gordon McKee said: “The country is going to wake up with a Labour government. 100 years on from the election of the first Labour government in 1924, the people of Glasgow have helped to elect a Labour government once again.

“I will work diligently and relentlessly on behalf of the many people who make up this wonderful constituency.”

Labour's Zubir Ahmed who will represent Glasgow South West said: “The message from tonight’s results is clear, the people demand change. They expect a government who will heal our divided country, who will grow our economy, who will ensure we feel secure in work and at home.”

GLASGOW NORTH:

Naveed Asghar (CONSERVATIVE) 1366

Helen Burns (REFORM) 1655

Iris Duane (GREEN) 4233

Nick Durie (ALBA) 572

Daniel O’Malley (LIBERAL DEMOCRATS) 1142

Martin Rhodes (LAB) 14,655

Alison Thewliss (SNP) 11116

Turnout: 51.65%

GLASGOW SOUTH WEST:

Zubir Ahmed (LABOUR) 15,552

John Hamelink (GREEN) 2727

Paul McGarry (LIBERAL DEMOCRATS) 958

Morag McRae (REFORM) 2236

Tony Osy (ALBA) 542

Mamun Ur Rashid (CONSERVATIVE) 1387

Chris Stephens (SNP) 12,267

Turnout: 51.98%

GLASGOW WEST:

James Calder (LIBERAL DEMOCRATS) 1316

John Cormack (CHRISTIAN PARTY) 310

Patricia Ferguson (LABOUR) 18621

Faten Hameed (CONSERVATIVE) 1720

Carol Monaghan (SNP) 12175

Dionne Moore (REFORM) 2098

Nick Quail (GREEN) 3662

Turnout: 58.07%

GLASGOW SOUTH:

Niall Christie (GREEN) 5554

Dhruva Kumar (ALBA) 444

Haroun Malik (CONSERVATIVE) 1617

Stewart McDonald (SNP) 13542

Gordon McKee (LABOUR) 17696

Peter McLaughlin (LIBERAL DEMOCRATS) 1316

Danny Raja (REFORM) 1736

Brian Smith (TRADE UNION AND SOCIALIST COALITION) 473

Turnout: 60.56%

GLASGOW EAST:

Matthew Clark (LIBERAL DEMOCRATS) 872

John Grady (LABOUR) 15543

Thomas Kerr (CONSERVATIVE) 1707

Amy Kettyles (GREEN) 2727

David Linden (SNP) 11,759

Liam McLaughlan (SCOTTISH SOCIALIST PARTY) 466

Donnie McLeod (REFORM) 2371

Turnout: 51.59%

GLASGOW NORTH EAST:

Maureen Burke (LABOUR) 15639

Robert Connelly (CONSERVATIVE) 1182

Evan Lewis (GREEN) 2471

Catherine McKernan (ALBA) 551

Anne McLaughlin (SNP) 11,002

Chris Sermanni (TRADE UNION AND SOCIALIST COALITION) 236

Gary Steele (COMMUNIST PARTY) 146

Sheila Thomson (LIBERAL DEMOCRATS) 592

Jonathan Walmsley (REFORM) 2272