Labour Unveils Fens & Greatham Candidate Ahead of Reform UK Announcement...

Mark Hanson (Pictured Middle) has previously been a candidate in Hartlepool's Local Elections

Labour Moves First in Fens & Greatham ahead of the May 2026 local elections, as Reform UK Prepares Major Announcement...

10th December 2025

The Hartlepool Labour Group has moved early in the race for what's considered to be a hotly challenged town council ward, announcing local resident and former by-election contender Mark Hanson as its candidate for the May 2026 Hartlepool Borough Council elections in the Fens & Greatham Ward.

The move comes as political attention intensifies around Reform UK, who, whilst maintaining communication silence on social media are reportedly set to field candidates in almost every ward next year.

Hanson, who previously came within reach of securing a council seat in July 2025 with 475 votes against Reform UK's Ed Doyle's 595 votes, is being positioned by Labour as a serious challenger in what's rapidly evolving into what could likely be one of the most closely watched contests of the 2026 elections.

Labour Makes Its Move as Political Landscape Shifts

The selection of Hanson is said to be Labour’s intent to reclaim ground following its defeat in the Throston by-election on 10 July 2025, where Reform UK’s Ed Doyle overturned Labour’s vote and secured the seat with a margin of around 120 votes. Labour finished second, prompting internal calls to strengthen the party’s local offering and reconnect with communities where support has drifted.

Fens & Greatham Ward Councillor Bob Buchan is widely expected to lose his council seat under his current Conservative political banner in May 2026

In Fens & Greatham, Labour will now face off against sitting Conservative councillor Bob Buchan. However, growing speculation surrounds the identity of Reform UK’s candidate, with party insiders suggesting a major slate of contenders could soon be unveiled across Hartlepool. If confirmed, this would set the stage for a highly competitive election cycle.

Political observers have also noted that the Conservatives’ collapse in support across the town has effectively created a two-horse race between Labour and Reform UK. Reform strategists are said to be openly aiming to secure as many seats as possible ahead of the 2027 elections, where they believe Hartlepool Borough Council could shift from a projected no overall control to a potentially Reform-led authority.

Labours Mark Hanson Sets Out His Stall

In his statement announcing his candidacy online, Hanson emphasised his lifelong roots in the ward and his frontline experience as a former neighbourhood police officer:

“I’ve lived in the ward all my life. I grew up in Fens, raised my family here, and spent my working life on the front line as a neighbourhood police officer in Hartlepool. This community’s shaped who I am, and I want to give something back.”

Hanson added that before confirming his bid, he personally visited every household in the ward:

“Not to campaign – just to listen. Because if I’m going to ask for your vote, I need to understand what matters to you first.”

He highlighted residents’ concerns ranging from difficulty accessing services to fly-tipping, local crime issues, and long-term aspirations for improving the area.

Positioning himself as a community-focused candidate rather than a typical politician, Hanson said:

“I’m not a politician. I’m standing to serve, not to sit on my hands or chase headlines. I believe in turning up, listening, and doing the work.”

He concluded by promising a sustained presence in the ward:

“Over the months ahead, I’ll be back out again and again, talking to even more residents and catching up with those I’ve already spoken to. If there’s something you want to raise, give me a shout. I’m here to listen, and I’ll always do my bit.”

The Town Ward to Watch in 2026

With Labour now officially in the ring and the Conservatives defending a weakened position, all eyes are now turning to Reform UK’s poised announcement. Their choice of candidate for Fens & Greatham could determine whether the ward becomes a symbolic battleground for the town’s shifting political identity or an easy win for Labour before even the votes are cast.

As the path to 2026 unfolds, one thing is clear: Fens & Greatham is likely to be shaping up to be a decisive contest as Labour Bids to keep its hold on Hartlepool Borough Council..