Date set for Durham County Council by-election in Murton

Durham County Council confirmed that a vote will take place in the Murton ward on Thursday, March 5. 

David Cumming stood down from the role in December due to overseas work commitments. Reform’s Cllr Mark Rowney, also a Murton ward member, remains in post. 

Anyone listed on the electoral register and who is eligible to vote in the election will receive a polling card and can vote in person, by post, or by proxy. 

Residents who are not registered or who have recently moved house are encouraged to register by midnight on February 17.

Prospective candidates can submit their nomination papers at County Hall, Durham, between January 30 and February 6.

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 took overall control of Durham County Council.

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. Since May, the party has also gained a new member after Cllr Paul Sexton defected to the party after formerly standing as an Independent.

The current makeup of the council is 62 Reform councillors, 15 Liberal Democrats, 12 Independents, four Labour, two Greens, one Conservative, and one Advance UK.

Voters must provide an acceptable form of photo ID, such as a passport, driving licence or concessionary travel pass, including an older person’s bus pass. A full list of acceptable forms of photo ID can be found on the polling card.

Anyone interested in standing as a candidate can request a nomination pack from the council by contacting electoral services on 03000 261 212 or by emailing electoralservices@durham.gov.uk.