Latest news with #LolaMcEvoy
New Statesman
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Statesman
Labour's new factions show how worried the party is
Renewed threats to the government from the left and from Reform have left Labour MPs feeling twitchy about the future. One YouGov poll last week found that18 per cent of voters would be willing to vote for a Corbyn-led party, eating into Labour's base, while Reform is polling on 27 per cent. Some of the 2024 intake have begun to organise and collude to work out how exactly their party can cling onto power. Last Thursday saw the launch of the Living Standards Group – a caucus of 100 MPs, led by eight members of the new intake including the MP for Loughborough, Jeevun Sandher and the two co-chairs of the Labour Growth Group, Lola McEvoy and Chris Curtis. They have called on the government to refocus on more radical ideas to tackle the cost of living otherwise, they warn, Labour won't hold onto power in 2029. This is an interesting moment for the arrival of another back-bench caucus. Keir Starmer is likely approaching his non-governmental colleagues with caution after more than 100 MPs staged a damaging rebellion against Liz Kendall's welfare bill, leading to yet another government U-turn. The Living Stanards Group insist that the timing of theor arrival was coincidental. But coming so shortly after a major defeat for the government, this is a prime moment to put pressure on the government. Although a few welfare rebels are members, the aims of this cohort seem to be favourable to the government. Luke Murphy, one of the eight MPs involved in the leadership of the group said that its founding is a 'recognition that we need to work harder to make sure that we're generating new ideas which focus on the cost of living'. He added: 'we don't want people to turn away from mainstream parties. We want to demonstrate that Labour gets it'. According to Sandher, the group's de facto leader, conversations around the formation of a group focused on raising living standards have been ongoing for some time. His idea was to form a coalition of MPs from across Labour's internal political spectrum to create a 'policy funnel' for ideas on how the government can fix the cost-of-living crisis – and fast. These ideas will follow three principals: they must be progressive and aimed at middle earners, they must enhance economic growth, and they must be fiscally neutral (e.g. they are not dependent on borrowing). The group will be governed by a board which the eight founding MPs will sit on, which will meet to discuss organisation, plans and ideas. 'We'll have a way for people to sign up to those ideas, publicly or privately and take it forward from there,' he said. The group will not take a collective position due to the 'ideological diversity' of the MPs involved (the letter was signed by members of the Labour Growth Group and of their friendly opponents who they have facetiously termed the 'vegetable lobby'). Although some of the 100's support is not that substantial – one MP texts: 'I just signed [the letter] cos I agreed with it'. But what unites these MPs is a genuine anxiety that they may be out of a job come the next election. 'We've been in power for a year,' Murphy said, 'but families are still doing the maths on rent, groceries, energy bills and childcare, and for so many people, they just don't add up. We know that's not just bad luck.' The group, therefore, is aimed to keep the government's feet to the fire in fulfilling their promise to voters and chivvying it along in the process. 'Wherever people are thinking of putting their vote, living standards are at the core of most people's vote,' he said. Sandher agreed: 'If you're a young – and you go and get a degree – then you get to the major cities and you realise it's not really affordable and we're losing votes on both sides because of that,' he said, 'fixing that problem is clearly an electoral imperative.' Subscribe to The New Statesman today from only £8.99 per month Subscribe Holding together a coalition of Labour MPs (a party which is notoriously fraught by factionalism) will be challenging, especially considering this group will not explicitly request MPs involved to publicly back their demands on government. But the arrival of the Living Standards Group clearly indicates that Labour MPs have woken up to the true depth of the electoral threats their party is facing – from the left and from the rights. Related
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'I want to thank every one of you' - Lola McEvoy reflects on her first year as an MP
"In Westminster, I've been lobbying ministers and working with the Government to deliver meaningful change that people can see and feel in our region", writes Lola McEvoy, as the Labour MP for Darlington reflects on her first year in office. It has been a wild 12 months, both nationally and internationally. However, my most important takeaway from the last year is probably this: I came into this job believing most people are good and want to do right by their families and their communities. Over the last year you've proven me right time and time again. I've always known Darlington was different - in the best way - and this year, you've shown me how. Growing up in Darlington was great and I'm more determined than ever to deliver on what we all believe in: a safe and secure town and country, where people can live the life they want, well, and where the next generation have more opportunities to succeed that the last. I know there's more to do, but I'm confident that the decisions we've taken this year will bear fruit for generations to come, and I'm determined to keep the pressure on to do my best by our town. Locally, I've been hard at work bringing projects to life for the town. Only last week, I was proud to play my part in our bi-centenary celebrations, partnering with Darlington Cares and businesses to launch the Hopetown Golden Ticket scheme, which gives every primary pupil in Darlington a free ticket to enjoy the Wagon Woods playground at Hopetown. I've also been campaigning to keep our young people safe online. My Darlington Online Safety Forum has made national news and next week I'm bringing the young leaders from the forum to Parliament. They will meet the Secretary of State Peter Kyle MP, so that they can tell him directly what needs to change to keep them safe online. Improving lives in Darlington has been at the heart of everything I do. Since the election, I've sent over 12,000 emails and letters, including responding to almost 5,500 policy enquiries and supporting people with over 1,200 personal casework issues. In Westminster, I've been lobbying ministers and working with the Government to deliver meaningful change that people can see and feel in our region. I've spoken almost 100 times in Parliament raising the issues that you've brought to me. There is still much to be done but Labour has already secured some big wins and I hope people can see we're heading in the right direction. Here are just some examples: investing £4 billion in world leading carbon capture industry at Teesside, delivering massive improvements in workers' and renters' rights, securing the future of the Hitachi manufacturing plant, delivering 4 million NHS appointments (2 million more than our own target), investing £1bn in local transport funding for the Tees Valley, delivering a record rise in the minimum wage, bringing NHS waiting times down to the lowest level in two years, expanding nursery capacity (with four new government-funded school-based nurseries in Darlington alone), investing £20 million in Darlington neighbourhoods, extending free school meals and giving the NHS the biggest capital investment it has ever seen. These are all policies that will make a real difference to the lives of people in Darlington and across the North East, and we're just getting started. On the economy we are starting to see signs of recovery too. We've had four interest rate cuts this year, meaning the costs of mortgages are going down, while business confidence is the highest it's been in almost a decade. We've provided certainty with our ten-year infrastructure strategy and our modern industrial strategy (in which Darlington is specifically mentioned), both of which underpin our relentless pursuit of economic growth. These plans have paved the way for a local economy and jobs boom in Darlington and across the region. It is up to us now to press forward and seize the opportunity. Recommended Reading: Darlington pupils to get free admission to 'fantastic' playpark in summer holidays Private car parking regulation 'long overdue' with Darlington issues 'tip of iceberg' On this day in 2024: Darlington Labour MP candidate launches campaign I want to end with a thank you. Firstly, to my team, who go above and beyond every day. Secondly to every business, charity and organisation that I've met – you are the shining examples of good employers, community assets and innovative entrepreneurs we need more of in this country. It has been a joy to get to know you better. Lastly, I want to thank every one of you whom I've met and who have contacted me. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your stories with me. I've always known Darlington is a special place, but over the last year, you've shown me why.
BBC News
31-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Darlington Brick Train to be cleaned up after vandalism
A train sculpture which has become the target of vandals is to be Brick Train was unveiled in 1997 as a tribute to Darlington's proud railway heritage, but vandalism and fly-tipping has seen its condition town's Labour MP Lola McEvoy is working with Darlington Borough Council to improve the site, near Morton Park, after recent public concerns."To see it in such poor condition was heartbreaking – but I'm thrilled to see great progress now being made to restore it in time for such a significant moment in our town's history," the MP said. Renovation work to improve the Brick Train will take place over the summer in time for the 200th bicentenary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September. Improvements include replacing missing bricks, reinstating fencing and signage, landscaping the surrounding area, and creating a long-term maintenance is hoped the latest round of works will help deter people from using the site as a dumping ground in the future, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Stories of pride Ms McEvoy said: "I was here at the opening when I was 10 years old, and it was a big deal then. "But if you're trying to find it as a tourist, you would struggle. We need to see more signage."It puts the area on the map and the town's railway heritage really matters. "This generation need stories of aspiration, hope, and pride of what we've done well in the past."Site managers Equation Properties and landowners BGO Logistics will also work with the council and MP to deliver the Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: "The Brick Train is a Darlington icon, and I'm proud of the collaborative effort that's gone into revitalising this site."With 2025 marking 200 years since the world's first passenger railway journey began here, it's only right that this sculpture stands proud once again – a testament to our past and a beacon for our future." Follow BBC Tees on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Darlington MP vows to clean up historic Brick Train sculpture after vandalism
Darlington's MP has pledged to clean up the town's Brick Train sculpture after a spate of vandalism. Labour's Lola McEvoy teamed up with Darlington Borough Council to improve the site, near Morton Park, after recent public concerns. The sculpture was unveiled in 1997 as a striking tribute to the town's proud railway heritage, but has since been targeted by vandals and fly-tipping. A lack of signage surrounding the site has also been criticised for failing to attract visitors. 'To see it in such poor condition was heartbreaking – but I'm thrilled to see great progress now being made to restore it in time for such a significant moment in our town's history,' the MP said. Darlington's MP Lola McEvoy has pledged to clean up the historic Darlington Brick Train sculpture after a spate of vandalism and fly-tipping. — Bill Edgar (@BillEdgarnews) May 28, 2025 Renovation work to improve the Brick Train will take place over the summer in time for the 200th bicentenary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in September. Improvements include replacing missing bricks, reinstating fencing and signage, landscaping the surrounding area, and creating a long-term maintenance plan. It is hoped the latest round of works will help deter people from using the site as a dumping ground in the future. Designed by David Mach, an artist with an international reputation. It was financed largely by the National Lottery and opened with a special ceremony alongside hundreds of Darlington schoolchildren. Supermarket retailer Morrisons maintained the site until the land was sold in 2022. Ms McEvoy added: 'I was here at the opening when I was 10 years old, and it was a big deal then. But if you're trying to find it as a tourist, you would struggle. We need to see more signage. It can't be this difficult to make it nice. 'It puts the area on the map and the town's railway heritage really matters. This generation need stories of aspiration, hope, and pride of what we've done well in the past.' Site managers Equation Properties and landowners BGO Logistics will also work with the council and MP to deliverthe improvements. New Darlington Mayor shares her love of town and pride at being elected How much Darlington car parking charges will increase by ahead of 2025 rise Warning that high streets are becoming 'unsafe and unhealthy' after wave of closures The sculpture was unveiled in 1997 at a ceremony with local schoolchildren. (Image: Sarah Caldecott) Councillor Libby McCollom, cabinet member for Local Services, added: 'The Brick Train is a Darlington icon, and I'm proud of the collaborative effort that's gone into revitalising this site. 'With 2025 marking 200 years since the world's first passenger railway journey began here, it's only right that this sculpture stands proud once again - a testament to our past and a beacon for our future. 'The restoration forms part of a wider celebration of Darlington's railway heritage, reaffirming the town's place as the birthplace of the modern railway.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Darlington MP deletes post supporting rival football club after backlash
Darlington MP Lola McEvoy has admitted she got 'caught up in the excitement' after a backlash prompted her to delete a post supporting rival club Spennymoor Town. Ahead of Spennymoor's historic game at Wembley in the FA Trophy final, Ms McEvoy took to social media, posting a picture of herself alongside Moors fans in home shirts. It prompted a backlash from Quakers fans who pointed out that there was a longstanding rivalry between Spennymoor and Darlington. The two sides won a game apiece in the league against each other this term. The post was later deleted after many 'negative' comments were left. (Image: Facebook) Now, the MP who was elected amid a Labour landslide in 2024, has responded to the criticism. 'Over the weekend I bumped into some excited Spennymoor fans heading to Wembley so wanted to share good luck wishes to another North East team on their big day out," she said. "Maybe I got too caught up in the excitement. 'Darlington FC are of course my number one and I'll continue backing them to get their new stadium and to where they belong - back in the Football League. Up the Quakers!' (Image: Sarah Caldecott) Spennymoor's big day out ended in a 3-0 loss to Aldershot, who went into the day as favourites being a league above the Moors. Regis Le Bris makes team news announcement ahead of Sunderland's play-off decider Spennymoor Town rocked by family tragedy as Graeme Lee & club pay emotional tribute Man threatened to torch Bishop Auckland MP's home in series of threats to kill They were more than a match for Aldershot in the first half but the National League side broke the deadlock three minutes after the break and had too much for Graeme Lee's men in the second half. "The scoreline is a touch harsh on Spennymoor," the Echo's Dom Shaw said. "[Spennymoor] should and will take great pride in their run to the final."
