Former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson formally stepped down as a member of parliament today to take up his new position as European commissioner. Mr Mandelson's departure from Westminster will trigger a by-election in his Hartlepool constituency. Although normally a safe seat for Labour, the party admitted last week that the Liberal Democrats are gaining support fast and the contest is expected to be a tight two-way battle.

In response to this, Brian Dash said:

“This is an exciting time for the people of Hartlepool . The opportunity to elect a new MP provides a great chance to make sure that the views and opinions of local people are heard. A local barrister and mother of four, Jody Dunn is an exceptional candidate and will make an excellent MP for the Town. It is clear that this contest will be a two horse race. Labour have already admitted that Jody is only 1,000 votes from snatching the previously safe seat for the Liberal Democrats”.