Claims Durham Reform councillors had quit roles ‘unfounded’
Durham County Council probed allegations that several newly elected Reform members worked within the council, conflicting with their roles as councillors.
Andrew Kilburn resigned after failing to declare that he worked for the local authority just over a week after the local elections on May 1. The Reform member was elected with 1,007 votes alongside fellow Reform candidate Sandra Grindle as the party gained both seats in the Benfieldside ward – one from Labour and one from an independent.
Durham County Council said it received “a small number of allegations” against other newly elected councillors suggesting their futures were in doubt, but the Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the claims were unfounded.
A spokesperson said: “We can confirm one newly elected councillor has resigned with immediate effect. We will be going through the statutory process of declaring the vacancy and will announce details of a by-election should one be needed.”
National legislation means employees are disqualified from standing as councillors simultaneously.
The council added: “As part of the process of standing in an election, each candidate must sign a declaration that they meet all the necessary statutory requirements to be able to stand. This is the candidate’s responsibility.
“If an employee was elected, they are not automatically disqualified from taking their seat, however, they must resign from their employment in order to continue to be a councillor.”
It is understood a by-election will be held to elect a new councillor for the ward. The date and further information on the election will be confirmed in due course.
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Reform said it hopes to retain its hold on the ward, which also encompasses Blackhill and Shotley Bridge.
“We understand that Mr Kilburn did not declare his employment to the returning officer as expected and is now required to resign his seat,” a Reform UK spokesman said.
“We look forward to contesting the upcoming by-election to give the people of Benfieldside a strong voice in Durham County Council.”