Darlington feud after photo claims council ‘doesn’t care’

A heated Darlington Borough Council meeting on Thursday evening erupted after Labour accused rival Conservatives of endangering councillors by using “inflammatory” language on social media. 

The dispute was sparked after a member of the public attending the meeting shared their concerns about “people freezing in their homes” while councillor Chris McEwan spoke about the council’s climate change progress.

Labour councillor McEwan then questioned whether the interruption warranted the member of the public to be ejected from the meeting before continuing with his response. 

Later in the meeting, Cllr McEwan alerted councillors to the post on the Darlington Conservatives Facebook page.

It reads: “Tonight a concerned resident shouted from the audience their desperate concern over people freezing in their homes thanks to the disastrous policies of the Labour Party instead of showing compassion. Cllr Chris McEwan  asked if he could remove the member of the public from the room.”

Council Leader Stephen Harker said the recent news that a Stockton-on-Tees councillor was physically assaulted in their home by a member of the public served as a warning over the dangers they face. 

“It is this kind of behaviour in this chamber that results in the appalling behaviour from the public,” he said. “People are being physically threatened and it arises from similar behaviour we have seen this evening. It is simply not acceptable.”

But Conservative leader Jonathan Dulston said the rival party is within its right to challenge council decisions.

He said: “We are not encouraging violence, we would absolutely step away from doing that. But ultimately, you are held to account for the decisions you make. That’s the bottom line.

“People might be upset but the constitution is clear, this is a public meeting, we are allowed to do it. If you’re going to make terrible decisions then expect to be called out by the opposition.”

But Darlington Mayor, Tory councillor Bob Donoghue, warned Cllr Dulston his behaviour was “out of order”, adding: “It is not acceptable in this council room. You sound like you don’t care”. 

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Nobody admitted to taking or creating the image at the council meeting. 

Cllr Harker added: “It’s not the photograph, it’s the text alongside it which makes it inflammatory. 

Last year, councillors agreed to behave respectfully towards each other and promote civility regardless of their political allegiance.