A former Conservative leader of Northumberland County Council has confirmed that he will make the switch to Labour in next month's election. 

On July 4, people from across the UK will vote on their preferred political party, and in Hexham, polls suggest that Labour could claim the seat for the first time in history. 

Joe Morris, Labour candidate for Hexham, has shared the news that Alex Kerr has now given his endorsement for the Labour party.

He said: "I'm very happy to support the young Labour candidate in this constituency. The pleasing thing is that he's a Hexham lad who wants to represent this constituency to the best of his ability. It seems important to me that we have someone that is young, healthy and fit, and wants to be part of the community."

Joe Morris said: "I'm thrilled to have the backing of former Conservative councillor Alex Kerr at this election. People all across Hexham constituency are crying out for change, and only Labour has a plan that will deliver that change."

He will be up against Conservative candidate MP, Guy Opperman, Dr Nick Cott from the Liberal Democrats and Social Democratic Party candidate William Clouston on July 4.