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Elections 2021: Boris Johnson on Hartlepool by-election result

Boris Johnson said the result of the Hartlepool by-election is a "mandate" for the Conservatives to "continue to deliver", not just for the north east of England but for the whole country.

Visiting the town, the prime minister said the public want politicians to get on with focusing on their needs and priorities.

He said it's a place that had voted for Brexit and that his party had "got it done".

Read more: Boris Johnson's Brexit claims fact-checked

BBC election coverage in text, images and video

7 May 2021

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Boris Johnson wearing a suit and headphones speaking into a mic in a BBC radio studio

Watch: Fiery exchange as Boris Johnson asked if he is a 'liar'

A police dog bites a man on the buttock.

Middlesbrough and Hartlepool rioters jailed

Volunteers team up to unearth 19th century lighthouse

Archaeological dig 'like a close community'

Ros Atkins

Ros Atkins: Is Brexit still important to voters?

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Murder-accused's 'raid' ended by hand injury

Liz Lloyd and Nicola Sturgeon

Sturgeon called Johnson a 'clown' in expletive-laden text

Landfill site fire prompts warning to shut windows

Smoke seen billowing from landfill site fire

Lord Cameron

'Heat and anger’ gone out of UK-EU relations - Cameron

Boris Johnson

Partygate reports 'million miles from reality' - Johnson

Boris Johnson

Johnson rejects Covid policy was 'let it rip' across UK

National Covid Memorial

'They partied while we all suffered' - bereaved relatives

Boris Johnson getting into a car with a hat on

Johnson booed as he exits Covid inquiry

Boris Johnson

Barnard Castle, ICU and heckling: Johnson's Covid evidence

Brenda Doherty

Covid apology 'worthless', say bereaved families

Northern Ireland

Boris Johnson

Boris Johnson gets choked up when giving evidence

Mobile phone

Johnson: I haven't removed any WhatsApps from my phone

Boris Johnson speaking at Covid-19 inquiry

Johnson 'deeply sorry for loss of Covid victims'

Lindsay Hoyle dragged by both arms

Watch: Moment Speaker dragged to Commons chair

In a traditional part of the process, the successful candidate pretends to be reluctant to take up the role.

Correspondent Ben Chu

Quick take on Labour's energy plan

BBC Verify's Ben Chu on what to make of Labour’s plans to decarbonise UK electricity production.

Chris Mason and Mark Logan

Watch: Former Tory MP says he is backing Labour

The former Conservative MP for Bolton North East has told the BBC he now supports Labour.

Factory workers in Milton Keynes

Watch: Party leaders on the campaign trail

Political party leaders have been out and about campaigning ahead of the general election.

Keir Starmer

I want the highest quality candidates - Starmer

The Labour leader says he wants the "highest quality" candidates to put to the voters.

Carla Denyer

Greens launch campaign target of 'at least four' MPs

The Green Party of England and Wales launch their election campaign in Bristol.

Faiza Shaheen talking on BBC Newsnight

Labour candidate says she's been blocked from standing

Faiza Shaheen says she's was told she will not be Labour's candidate after allegedly liking antisemitic posts on X.

Rishi Sunak

Rishi Sunak tells Chris Mason: Yes, I am changing minds

The PM tells the BBC's political editor he is "thoroughly enjoying" himself out meeting voters in the election campaign.

Sir Keir Starmer wearing a suit and a brown tie

Not true Abbott barred from standing - Starmer

The Labour leader says no decision has been taken to bar Diane Abbott.

Keir Starmer

Starmer pleased Rayner has been 'vindicated'

Labour's leader says he always had confidence in his deputy with the row over her council house sale.

Ed Davey falls from a paddle board

Going, going, gone: Ed Davey takes a dip in Windermere

The Liberal Democrats leader was paddle boarding on Lake Windermere in the Lake District.

Rishi Sunak

Watch: PM criticises Sir Keir Starmer's campaign speeches

The prime minister accused Labour's Sir Keir Starmer of "not having the courage" to tell voters about Labour ideas.

Nigel Farage

Labour and Tories are both 'social democrats', says Farage

Nigel Farage was speaking in Dover, as part of his campaign for Reform UK.

Sir Keir Starmer

Starmer asked if there's a 'lack of enthusiasm' for Labour

Labour leader Keir Starmer is pressed on whether there's a perceived lack of enthusiasm for his party.

Rachel Reeves

Reeves: No return to austerity under Labour

The shadow chancellor is quizzed on her economic plans should Labour win the general election.

Rishi Sunak

Sunak 'disappointed' smoking ban bill did not get through

The PM says he "stepped up to do something that is bold" over his bid to phase out smoking.

Craig Mackinlay MP

Watch: Limb loss MP on his return to Parliament

Craig Mackinlay says he was met by "a storm" of noise when he returned to the House of Commons

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Oops! Sunak asks if Welsh are looking forward to Euros

On a campaign trip, the PM asks voters if they will watch the football tournament, even though Wales did not qualify.

Richard Tice

Tories 'terrified' of Reform Party - Richard Tice

The Reform Party leader says Rishi Sunak "bottled it" over calling a surprise general election for July.

Sir Keir Starmer

A vote for Labour is a vote to stop the chaos - Starmer

On the first full day of election campaigning the Labour leader says "nothing will change" if the Conservatives get back into power on July 5.