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General Election 2024: Labour’s Sir Nic Dakin wins Scunthorpe

Labour have won the Scunthorpe constituency in a historic night for party as it surged back to power.

The Labour Party has been in opposition since 2010 and at the last general election in 2019, it lost Scunthorpe to the Conservatives. But Labour and its candidate defeated back then, Sir Nic Dakin, reversed their fortunes this time around.

The official declaration made at approximately 2.45am by acting returning officer Alison Barker confirmed a Labour gain with a majority of 3,500 over Conservative Holly Mumby-Croft. Reform UK‘s Darren Haley came a strong third place.

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“Thank you to the people Scunthorpe County constituency for putting your faith in me again to serve as your Member of Parliament,” said Sir Nic Dakin in his acceptance speech.

“British democracy is something for us all to be proud of. It epitomises the best of British values. And as we’ve seen again today, it allows voters to make a choice about their country’s future. The choice for change today is inspirational.” He thanked predecessor Holly Mumby-Croft for her time as an MP, saying: “Holly has served the area well.”

Holly Mumby-Croft is yet to make wider remarks on the result, beyond thanking people at the count in an extremely short speech after the result’s declaration.



The Scunthorpe count result - there were also 103 spoiled ballots
The Scunthorpe count result – there were also 103 spoiled ballots

Reform UK’s Darren Haley told Grimsby Live during the count: “What’s upsetting is the Conservatives do deserve to lose, but Labour doesn’t deserve to win.” In his post-result speech, he expressed scepticism Labour will succeed in government for people. “I sincerely hope I am wrong in what is about to happen over the next five years.”

Independent Dr Abdul Butt congratulated Sir Nic on his win during his post-results speech. Speaking to Grimsby Live earlier in the evening, he said that people were “fed up” of the Conservatives and Labour and said he would remain politically active. “This is just the beginning.”

During his acceptance speech, Sir Nic Dakin paid tribute to former councillor Steve Swift, his previous “forever agent”, who died earlier this year after being taken ill at a council meeting. “Swiftie would have loved this moment. He has been our Labour team’s inspiration, he would have been chuffed with the result.”



The candidates at the count lining up for the declaration, where Labour's Sir Nic Dakin, centre with red rosette and tie, was announced as the winner
The candidates at the count lining up for the declaration, where Labour’s Sir Nic Dakin, centre with red rosette and tie, was announced as the winner

After the result, he was asked by Grimsby Live on why he thought he and Labour had done so well. “I think it’s been a difficult five years,” he said, acknowledging external factors such as the pandemic, but he also felt some of the difficulties for the Conservatives were self-inflicted. “A lot of people, myself included, felt they had completely lost the plot by the time the election came. I think people were looking for change,” he said, adding Labour had offered “a hopeful prospectus for the future”, including stabilising the economy.

He said the two big issues that were in his in-tray for Scunthorpe itself were the future of the steelworks and health services locally. He said a Labour government would want to pick up on ongoing negotiations between the government and British Steel’s owners Jingye Group and bring about a deal that works for the country, company and the interests of workers’ families.

On proposed hospital changes to move some service elements to Grimsby only, he said: “I will be interested in representing the views of local people, clinicians, patients that have been telling me they have serious concerns about that direction of travel.

“There will be many, many others, people bring you big issues every day as a Member of Parliament. Once I have a staff team, that staff team and myself will respond to those issues promptly, and hopefully effectively.”



Counting begins at the Scunthorpe constituency general election count
Counting begins at the Scunthorpe constituency general election count

There have been reports the summer recess for MPs will be reduced by the incoming Labour government to pass some legislation more quickly. He was asked if he would support this and joked: “Well, obviously, I’d be gutted not to have a holiday. The reality is the Labour Party takes on a huge responsibility now and in huge responsibilities, you have to make sacrifices to get the job done.

“If the new prime minister, once the King has put him in place, wants to get on with the job in that way, all of us will be right behind him. Because we’ve got a responsibility to make sure things work.”

Overall in northern Lincolnshire, Labour was able to celebrate a fantastic electoral night. It won three of the area’s four constituencies, including another comeback triumph, this time for Melanie Onn in Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes. It only fell short in Brigg and Immingham, where Conservative Martin Vickers was elected once more to Parliament.

Original artice: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/all-about/scunthorpe

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