Skip to main content
Jamie Driscoll predicts 'people-powered political earthquake' as poll shows him neck and neck with Labour
Jamie Driscoll

NORTH EAST independent mayoral candidate Jamie Driscoll predicted a “people-powered political earthquake” in the region as polls showed the left candidate almost neck and neck with his Labour opponent.

A new poll by More in Common showed Mr Driscoll on 33 points, just two points behind Labour’s Kim McGuinness, ahead of Thursday’s election of the first mayor of the newly created constituency.

Mr Driscoll was Labour’s mayor of North of Tyne but the Labour Party blocked him from standing for the new, larger North East constituency despite a successful track record on issues such as job creation and child poverty. 

Reacting to the poll, he said: “A huge number of voters want an independent mayor, free from Westminster influence, who can put the north-east first.

“Trust in traditional political parties is at an all-time low. People are sick of the posturing and back-stabbing in London, while nothing gets fixed up here.

“I’m an engineer by trade, fixing broken systems is what I do. I worked cross-party to land us the best funded devolution deal in the country. 

"That approach has helped me create thousands of new jobs and homes, increase adult skills enrolments by 60 per cent, boost our offshore wind sector and deliver a Child Poverty Prevention Programme in 100 schools — all without putting a penny on the council tax or taking on any debt.

“It’s clear on the doorstep that most people want Rishi Sunak out of government. But this isn’t a general election. This is about the north-east. 

“So many people have said they finally feel free to vote for the candidate they want and not simply the rosette they wear.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Similar stories
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage stands with Sarah Pochin after announcing her as Reform UK's candidate for the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, at the Runcorn Shopping City in Runcorn, Cheshire, March 24, 2025
Britain / 29 April 2025
29 April 2025
ENERGY AND ACTIVISM: Jamie Driscoll (third from right) joins
Features / 7 September 2024
7 September 2024
Former North of Tyne mayor JAMIE DRISCOLL outlines his vision for a new progressive movement, highlighting the need for infrastructure and skills to turn popular policies into electoral success
Marchers at the Durham Miners' Gala, July 13, 2024
Durham Miners' Gala / 15 July 2024
15 July 2024
Durham Miners' Association president STEPHEN GUY speaks to Ben Chacko about the miners’ strikes consequences today, his hopes for the new Labour government — and the sorry saga of Luke Akehurst
Features / 22 May 2024
22 May 2024
Following the recent local and mayoral elections, VINCE MILLS wonders whether hopes of an independent left breakthrough are realistic and considers the prospects within the lumbering beast that is the Labour Party