NEWS
Former Aycliffe MP Paul Howell .
Proud to have served ‘ my world ’ says defeated Tory MP
‘ THANK YOU ’
Newton Aycliffe ’ s defeated Conservative MP told Aycliffe Business that he ’ s proud to have served what he describes as “ my world ” for the last five years .
Paul Howell says he was elected in 2019 “ on a blue tide ” – but now he ’ s going out “ on a low blue tide ”.
He polled just 8,195 votes in the 2024 General Election for the new constituency of Newton Aycliffe and Spennymoor – losing more than 11,000 supporters from his 2019 victory .
Labour candidate Alan Strickland won with 18,394 votes , while Reform candidate John Grant finished second with 9,555 votes .
Mr Howell told us : “ It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have been an MP for what I call my world .
“ I was brought up in Newton Aycliffe and I was delighted to have based my constituency office on Aycliffe Business Park .
“ Aycliffe will always be special to me and I ’ ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many people and businesses .
“ It ’ s important to the business park for its jobs and the supply chain , but there are so many other companies on the business park as well , many of whom I ’ ve had the pleasure of meeting over the last five years .
“ You look at Gestamp and its scale , but there ’ s 3M , Ebac , Roman , Husqvarna , BTS – and then lots of brilliant small companies like Digital Edge , great guys who are passionate about their area .
“ The Aycliffe Business magazine and the guys at Newton Press make sure there ’ s a tremendous community feel about the business park and the town as well .
“ It ’ s just a fantastic business park , the biggest in the North-East , with fantastic people , and I ’ ll always do whatever I can – now as an ex-MP – to do whatever I can to promote it .”
Mr Strickland ’ s victory was eventually announced shortly after 3am on Friday , July 5 , after the election count at Spennymoor Leisure Centre .
Speaking after the result , Mr Howell thanked the area ’ s residents and urged the newly-elected Labour MP Alan Strickland to prioritise the community .
“ I was elected in 2019 on a high blue tide and I ’ m going out on a low blue tide .
“ Of all the people you meet the most important are the constituents - from Trimdon to Ferryhill to Chilton to Aycliffe to Sedgefield and the many villages in between .
“ You are fantastic constituents and I have really enjoyed my time serving you .”
The political landscape across County Durham and Teesside turned from red to blue in 2019 , including in nearby Bishop Auckland and Darlington , with both constituencies returning Labour victories .
BOOK YOUR SPACE IN FUTURE ISSUES OF AYCLIFFE BUSINESS
Companies and organisations on Aycliffe Business Park can now book space in future issues of the park ’ s business publication .
Aycliffe Business has been the business magazine for Aycliffe Business Park for more than 11 years .
Launched in November 2012 , the publication provides firms with a unique platform to tell everyone about their services and success stories .
More than 200 businesses and organisations have used Aycliffe Business for their marketing needs – whether it be for PR , brand awareness , direct advertising or for recruitment purposes .
Founder Martin Walker said : “ Our team can look after all your requirements .
“ Our trained journalists can write your advertorial features , we can take your pictures and design your ads , all as part of our service .” Bookings are being taken for issue 70 of Aycliffe Business , due out in October , with space available from £ 295 .
To enquire , call 01325 728024 or email martin @ aycliffetoday . co . uk .
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 7