Murton by-election in County Durham after Reform councillor resigns

Voters in the Murton ward will return to the polls later this year after David Cumming stepped down before Christmas. 

It will be the third by-election in County Durham since last year’s full council vote, following the resignation of two former Reform councillors due to an employment conflict and ill-health. 

Reform won the two available seats within the East Durham ward during last May’s local elections as it swept to power across the region to take control of Durham County Council.

Mr Cumming was elected alongside Cllr Mark Rowney, who remains in post.

The party initially won 65 seats but has seen its majority decrease to 62 after two members became independents and the Liberal Democrats won a by-election. 

It is understood Mr Cumming stood down following overseas employment.

The party has unveiled Theo Bell as its candidate for the upcoming by-election. 

He said: “Murton has been treated like a safe seat for too long by people who either didn’t show up or didn’t care. I’m standing because I live here, and I want to be part of the Reform team that is finally cleaning up the mess at County Hall.

“I want to make sure that change is felt on the streets of Murton, not spent on more woke nonsense by Lib-Lab politicians. I’m a Murton lad, and I’m ready to get stuck in.”

Further details about the by-election will be released by Durham County Council in due course.

Other political parties are due to announce their candidates in the coming weeks. 

Andrew Husband, Reform council leader, added: “The outgoing councillor has moved on, and whilst we wish him well, Murton deserves someone who is 100% committed to the fight for the People’s Priorities. Theo Bell is that man.

“He’ll join our Reform majority to ensure Murton isn’t just a dot on a map, but a priority at the heart of everything we do. We’ve started the job of taking our county back; let’s send Starmer’s Government a message.”