Shadow equalities minister Sharon Hodgson re-elected as an MP
The Labour Party’s junior shadow equalities minister, Sharon Hodgson, has increased her majority.
Ms Hodgson, who is a spokesperson for women and equalities in the Labour Party alongside Gloria De Piero, was re-elected in Washington and Sunderland West, one of the first constituencies to declare.
She increased her share of the vote from 52.5% (19,615 votes) in 2010 to 55% (20,478 votes) – with UKIP’s Aileen Casey pushing the Conservatives into third.
It is not expected to be a good night for Labour – with an exit poll carried out for the broadcasters suggesting that David Cameron’s governing Conservatives will actually increase their lead.
Ms Hodgson is a strong supporter of LGBT rights – joking last year about Tory equalities minister Nicky Morgan’s change of heart on the issue, after voting against it.
She joked of same-sex marriage: “I am sure it is the sheer volume of joy we have already witnessed, and are yet to witness, that contributed to the Damascene conversion to the virtues of equality in marriage of the Minister for Women and Equalities, who is also the Secretary of State for Education.
“Whatever the reason, the Opposition are pleased that she has changed her mind and has been won over to the cause, and that we are finally able to get these last measures on the statute book.”
Ms Morgan is fighting a close-run battle in Loughborough to retain her seat.
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