Darlington Labour Party members have paid tribute to former MP Jenny Chapman, who was made a life peer in the New Year honours. Jenny was Darlington’s MP for nearly a decade and served as a Shadow Minister.

On Saturday local Labour members passed a motion congratulating Jenny on her nomination to the House of Lords.

Mandy Porter, Chair of Darlington Labour Party, said:

“Jenny’s nomination to the House of Lords is testament to years of dedicated service to our town; having achieved much as a Cockerton Councillor and then during her time as Darlington’s MP.

“We are proud of the support Jenny has given to so many individuals and organisations in Darlington, not least in leading the successful campaign to save the A&E and maternity wards at the Memorial Hospital from closure.

“Jenny’s achievements also include saving hundreds of Department for Education jobs in Darlington and running projects from her office to provide school uniforms and period products to people struggling with money.

“We are sure that Jenny’s energy and commitment to making Parliament work well for all of us will make her a very successful member of the House of Lords and can only be good for Darlington.”