The Conservatives have lost their mayor on North Tyneside to Labour after a close-run election campaign. Labour's John Harrison took the seat with a majority of just 1,002. Tory Linda Arkley had won the seat after previous mayor Chris Morgan resigned.
The proportional representation vote meant Liberal Democrat Joan Harvey and the National Front's Robert Batten were eliminated after the first count.
Voters' second preferences then put John Harrison in front.
After the second count Mr Harrison polled 40,460 votes with Mrs Arkley receiving 39,458.
The 61% turnout was twice as high as last time.
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Peter Snow analysis