Darlington Greens criticise ‘inaccurate’ Tory leaflet about councillor

The leader of the Darlington Green group, Matthew Snedker, accused the Conservative Party of damaging public trust in politicians due to inaccuracies in a letter criticising a councillor’s attendance record. 

Local Conservatives called out Councillor Thomas Robinson’s attendance and called for a by-election to elect someone “who will properly represent your area”.

The letter titled ‘Local elected Green councillor attends just two meetings in just under 12 months despite £9,5000 salary!’ has been disputed by the Greens. 

A copy of the leaflet sent to residents in the Hummersknott ward. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Cllr Robinson became a non-aligned Independent member for Hummersknott ward in October 2024 after leaving the Green Party. 

In the letter, Conservative campaigner William Galbraith said: “As a local residents [sic] I am appalled at Cllr Robinson’s lack of respect for those that voted for him. 

“Hummersknott deserves better, proper representation, someone who will fight against the Labour council’s scrapping of free town centre parking, its hiking of council tax and business rates and fight against overdevelopment on green spaces.”

Darlington Borough Council data shows Cllr Robinson attended three meetings in 2025 and 20 since being elected in May 2023. Councillors must attend at least one meeting every six months to be entitled to claim their allowance or risk being expelled. 

Responding, Cllr Snedker said: “Councillors, including Conservatives, have been absent from meetings for a variety of personal reasons. These include cancer treatment, caring duties and bereavement. This is not something that we as a party would choose to use as an attack line. 

“So I’m now in the situation of having to set the record straight due to Mr Galbraith’s inaccuracies. Councillor Robinson is not a Green councillor. He was unable to meet the standards expected by our party.”

Cllr Robinson was previously in council tax arrears of £1,803.10 but the debt has now been cleared. The Independent member was contacted for comment but did not respond.