Thousands in the North East join two million strong petition calling for a new general election
Written by Cian Mortimer on 2nd December 2024
Keir Starmer speaks during the Labour Party annual conference at the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC), in Liverpool. Picture date: Tuesday September 25th, 2018. Photo credit: Matt Crossick/ EMPICS Entertainment: Alamy Images
Thousands of people across the North East are raising their voices in a growing campaign for a new general election, spurred by frustration with the current government.
The petition has already seen widespread support across the North East in areas including Darlington, Bishop Auckland, and Middlesbrough. With the overall petition now surpassing 2 million signatures, it has far exceeded the threshold required to be considered for debate in Parliament.
It reflects mounting dissatisfaction over rising bills, soaring inheritance taxes, and the persistent cost-of-living crisis. In Darlington alone, over 3,700 residents have signed the petition. Darlington’s signatories join more than 4,000 from Bishop Auckland and close to 4,500 from Houghton and Sunderland South.
These numbers illustrate the depth of the frustration felt in the region, where many feel the government has failed to respond effectively to their struggles. Local issues like increasing energy prices and tax hikes have hit hard, leaving many people questioning whether their voices are truly being heard in Westminster.
Newcastle has also seen growing support for the call for a new election. In total, almost 10,000 people have added their names in Newcastle alone. The petitioners argue that the current government has not only failed to address their immediate concerns but has also made life harder for families already struggling with inflation and rising household costs.
With inflation outpacing wage growth and crucial services stretched to breaking point, many feel they have been abandoned by politicians who seem far removed from the reality of everyday life in the North-East.
The growing support for the petition also reflects a deeper sense of political disillusionment, with many signatories feeling that their local representatives are not sufficiently addressing the unique challenges faced by the region.
While some have turned to local political leaders for answers, others are increasingly calling for a fresh start at the ballot box. As the petition continues to gather momentum, it remains to be seen how government officials will respond to this wave of discontent.
For many, the question is not just whether the petition will be successful, but whether this new show of political engagement will spark meaningful action in Westminster.
(Source: https://petitionmap.unboxedconsulting.com/?petition=700143&area=eng)
