Unlike in many local council areas, the count after the Hartlepool by-election will begin promptly after the polls close.
The by-election was called after the resignation of the Labour MP, Mike Hill.
There are a large number of candidates on the ballot paper including:
- David Bettney (SDP)
- The Incredible Flying Brick (Monster Raving Looney)
- Hilton Dawson (North East)
- Gemma Evans (Women's Equality)
- Rachel Featherstone (Green)
- Adam Gaines (Independent)
- Andrew Hagon (Liberal Democrat)
- Steve Jack (Freedom Alliance)
- Chris Killick
- Sam Lee (Independent)
- Claire Martin (Heritage)
- Jill Mortimer (Conservative)
- John Prescott (Reform UK)
- Thelma Walker (Independent)
- W. Ralph Ward- Jackson (Independent)
- Paul Williams (Labour).
Polls close at 10pm tonight across the UK in the local elections - and the Hartlepool by-election to choose a new MP.
Counting is expected to commence immediately for the parliamentary by-election.
The election results are likely to be announced between 4am and 6am on Friday morning.
