The poll was called when Reform’s Andrew Kilburn, elected to represent the Benfieldside ward in county-wide elections on May 1, stood down after just nine days. Mr Kilburn resigned after it was discovered he already worked for the council. Employees are disqualified from standing as councillors at the same time under national legislation. Lib Dem Terry Rooney won the by-election on…

He said: “Labour MPs are absolutely vested in this. It matters to them to get things like this right, and we didn’t get that process right. We didn’t engage in the way that we should have done.” But he insisted his Government would “come through it stronger” as he vowed to “reflect” on what needed…

Voters in the Easington and Shotton ward will return to the polls on August 7 after the resignation of Reform UK councillor John Bailey.  Reform UK won all three of the available seats within the East Durham ward during May’s ballot as it swept to power across the region to take control of Durham County…

Sir Keir Starmer suffered a huge blow on Tuesday (July 1) after 49 Labour MPs voted against the controversial bill’s second reading.  It managed to fend off an amendment from York MP Rachael Maskell designed to halt the legislation, but the bill only passed after a last-minute announcement saw plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payment…

A total of 44 Labour MPs, including two tellers, supported Rachael Maskell’s reasoned amendment, which proposed to scrap the Government’s plans to overhaul the system. However, a Government defeat was averted, after disability minister Sir Stephen Timms offered a further concession during the Commons debate. Sir Stephen said the Government had listened to the concerns…

Ian Shipley has asked for planning permission to build a house on Bridge Street, Yarm including a double garage to the side and an outbuilding at the back with a gym and office. An existing bungalow and outbuildings will be demolished to make way for the new five-bedroom home – a piece of “truly wonderful…