Candidates set to contest Red Hall and Lingfield by-election

The vote will take place in the Red Hall and Lingfield ward on Thursday, December 11 and will be the first since an all-out election in May 2023. 

Former councillor Amanda Riley stood down from the role in October due to ill-health. 

The current makeup of the council consists of 23 Labour, 13 Conservatives, six Greens, five Independents, and two Liberal Democrats, with one vacancy.

Kyle Bartch – Conservative Party

“Kyle Bartch understands what community means because he’s lived it his whole life.

“He has called Red Hall and Lingfield home since he was five years old. He grew up here, went to school at St Aidan’s (formerly Eastbourne), and has spent his life surrounded by the people and places that make Darlington special. Today, he continues to live and work in the area he’s proud to represent.

“Kyle’s commitment to his community runs deep. Earlier this year, he helped launch a local Litter Squad, a volunteer group keeping our streets and parks clean. He also played a key role in the campaign opposing Labour’s winter fuel cut, collecting petition signatures on Darlington High Street and speaking to residents about how it would affect local families and pensioners.

“Last year, Kyle was diagnosed with a brain tumour, a life-changing moment that tested his strength and determination. After weeks of treatment and major brain surgery, and thanks to the outstanding care of our NHS, he made a full recovery.

“That experience gave Kyle a renewed drive to serve his community. Since then, he has worked tirelessly across Red Hall, Lingfield and Darlington, listening to residents, supporting local causes and doing all he can to make our town a better place to live.

“For Kyle, this campaign is not about politics. It is about people, community and standing up for the place that stood by him when he needed it most.

“For Kyle Bartch, this is not just where he lives. It is home.”

Louise Maddison – Green Party

“Louise was born and raised in Darlington. She moved back here more than 20 years ago. She is a passionate campaigner who has set up and worked on many community projects.

“Louise is a firm believer that actions speak louder than words and will get stuck in and do something rather than just talking about it.

“Louise is focused on action that will cut people’s bills, improve local services and make our community safer. Making sure that education, training and well-paid jobs are available to everyone is another top priority for Louise.

“Darlington Green Party members and councillors are out working hard for residents all year round, not just at election time. Louise is looking forward to continuing this tradition, representing the people of Red Hall and Lingfield and fighting to make their voices heard.”

Simon Thorley – Liberal Democrat 

“There are plans for tens of thousands of tons of unwashed food packaging waste to come our way each year: around five to six lorry loads every hour, 24 hours per day.

“This election is about one thing: stopping the proposed plan to build a pyrolysis plastic waste plant at the Cleveland Bridge site.

“Voters in Red Hall and Lingfield have the chance to make the difference and speak for the whole town by backing me and my campaign to Stop the Waste Plant on December 11.”

Jonnie Vasey – Labour Party

“I am a community champion and a hard-working family man.

“I live in the ward with my wife and kids. I was born and raised in Darlington and have always lived here. Just like you, I want the best for our community, especially for the future of all our children and young people.

“I am a local campaigner who wants to make our streets safer, bring our community together and fight for local issues, like parking around Heathfield Primary School and the adoption of roads on Millfields, which I live on.

“I work hard with our local Councillor Mandy Porter and want to carry on the great work that was done by Councillor Dr Amanda Riley.”

Michael Walker – Reform UK 

“Like so many others, I believe that politics should be about common sense, honesty, and accountability — not empty promises and wasted money. That’s why I’m standing now to represent Red Hall and Lingfield.

“If elected as your councillor, I will…stand up for you and make sure your voice is heard loud and clear.

“I will demand value for money from the council, so that every pound of your council tax is spent wisely on services that actually matter to local people — not on political pet projects or wasteful bureaucracy.

“I will work with residents and the police to tackle anti-social behaviour and make our neighbourhoods safe for everyone.

“I will fight for better Special Educational Needs (SEN) provision. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how vital SEN support is for our young people. For too long, the Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal Democrats have neglected them — this must end. I will work with all parties to make sure SEN provision in Darlington gets the attention and improvement it deserves.

“This by-election is about more than one seat on the council. It’s about bringing balance and accountability back to Darlington Borough Council. Labour have held power for too long, and it shows. Too often, decisions that are changing the face of our beautiful town are made behind closed doors, with little thought for how they affect ordinary residents. That must change — and with your support, it can.

“A vote for Reform UK is a vote for real change.”

Monty Brack – Independent 

“While residents face bigger wards and fewer councillors, the Town Hall elite quietly protect their own. In 2024, Cabinet rubber-stamped a new Executive Director post – extra £25,600 a year. No public vote.

“2021–23: Hired a full-time Climate Change Officer and bolstered the Equality and Diversity team. Salaries £35,000–£45,000 each. No public vote.

“2025: Same leadership now wants to axe nine elected councillors to ‘save’ £100,000 in allowances.

“When I was a lad, new rules like COSHH were absorbed by existing managers. Today, every fashionable directive gets its own officer – yet the first thing to be cut is YOUR democratic voice. £25,000 for a new director? ‘Affordable’.

“£40,000 for a climate officer? ‘Essential’.

“£100,000 saved by silencing nine councillors? ‘Efficiency’. This isn’t efficiency. It’s hypocrisy.  I say: put big decisions to the people.”

“Direct democracy now – binding referendums on pay hikes, new officer posts, and councillor cuts. Darlington residents deserve the final say, not the final bill.”