Labour politicians across the North East have hailed a year of progress after their landslide election victory a year ago today.

But opposition MPs have slammed a Government "in chaos" after a less-than-ideal week marking a year in power for Labour that saw its biggest Commons rebellion to date and the PM forced to deny Rachel Reeves' days as Chancellor were numbered after she was seen crying at PMQs.

Deals to save Hitachi, the rollout of free school breakfast clubs and improved relations with Europe have all been hailed key successes by Labour representatives here.

A year ago today (July 4) Labour surged to power across the North East, with Sir Keir Starmer's Party winning all but one seat across the region.

A Government spokesperson said it was "elected with a commitment to deliver change and security for working people" and that it is "getting on with the job".

The region's only Conservative MP, Matt Vickers, slammed Labour's first year in power describing it "a government in chaos", with Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen saying the Government has "left a lot to be desired" nationally.

Matt Vickers, MP for Stockton West, has been highly critical of Labour's first year in power The past week has proven difficult for Labour as it faced its biggest rebellion to date over its welfare reforms. Rachel Reeves also received the backing of Sir Keir after being spotted crying in Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions.

Recent YouGov polling also puts the Party are second to Reform UK. Labour are currently sat at 24% in the polls behind Nigel Farage's Reform at 26%. Durham County Council is now also controlled by Reform, after a crushing victory at the last local........

© The Northern Echo