THE work of the Labour Party’s new leadership team in the North-East has been commended by Hexham Constituency Labour Party (CLP).

Keir Starmer was elected as Labour leader by members on April 4, replacing Jeremy Corbyn who resigned after December’s crushing election defeat.

The former shadow Brexit secretary swept to victory in the first round of voting, receiving 56.2 per cent of votes cast.

In February, Hexham CLP members voted to nominate Mr Starmer as leader.

However, the CLP’s nomination for deputy leader, Dawn Butler, lost out to shadow education secretary Angela Rayner.

A spokesman for Hexham CLP said: “Keir Starmer telephoned Nick Forbes, Labour leader of Newcastle City Council, in an early move to thank him for his support, and ask about coronavirus local action, and how he can help.

“Angela Rayner is no stranger to the region, and had campaigned in Ryton in 2019, supporting Kim McGuinness, who is now our Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner.”

Party members are expected to return to campaigning on the doorstep once the coronavirus crisis has abated - but members are already using online tools to prepare.

The spokesman continued: “The party is currently gearing up early to get members out on the doorstep.

“The aim is to convince voters that Labour has the policies for British workers. Labour Party members are being asked to ‘look ahead and get back on the doorstep’ early, as the Covid-19 virus isolation is overcome by using online organising tools.”