[3] The eventual victory of the Conservative candidate Ben Houchen was reported as a shock and a poor result for Labour following their losses in the local elections that same day.

[5] Ben Houchen, Conservative group leader on Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

[8][9] Chris Foote Wood, author and former Bishop Auckland district councillor, was selected to be the Liberal Democrat candidate after defeating Anne-Marie Curry, Liberal Democrat group leader on Darlington Borough Council, in a ballot of party members.

[10][11] John Tait, former Parliamentary candidate in Stockton North, withdrew from the race after failing to raise the required £5,000 deposit.

[12] John Tennant, UKIP group leader on Hartlepool Borough Council.