Call for Darlington Mayor to resign over shared political post

Mayor Sonia Kane apologised after recently sharing a post from Jonnie Vasey, the Labour candidate for the upcoming Red Hall and Lingfield by-election.

Ms Kane, herself a Labour councillor but who is expected to be politically neutral while in her role as mayor, shared the post revolving around Mr Vasey’s campaigning.

It also took place during purdah, the pre-election period of sensitivity in the lead up to the by-election next Thursday (December 11).

Reform UK Darlington has argued that it was “no accident” and have called on her to resign as both the town’s mayor and councillor. 

Jonathan Dulston, leader of the Darlington Conservatives, said it was “extremely concerning” and raised “serious questions about whether the Mayor values the integrity and neutrality of the office”. 

On Facebook, Cllr Kane said: “The other day I accidentally put a political post on the Mayor’s page. I deleted it within minutes when I realised what had happened. 

“I can only apologise to everyone for my error and say that it will not happen again.”

Cllr Kane declined to provide any further comment when contacted by The Northern Echo on Wednesday (December 3).

Reform Darlington argued the post was “clearly capable of influencing the election in favour of [her] own party” in a comment on Facebook. 

The party said: “This was no ‘accident’. She is either incompetent or wanted to promote the Labour candidate. The Labour councillor cosplaying as our mayor is only sorry she got caught.

“She must resign as mayor and councillor.”

Mr Dulston added: “From the Darlington Conservatives’ perspective, it is extremely concerning to see the Mayor, Sonia Kane, sharing Labour’s by-election campaign material on what is supposed to be the politically neutral Mayor of Darlington Facebook page. 

Jonathan Dulston (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“The role of Mayor carries with it a long-standing expectation of neutrality, dignity, and respect for the office – not for the benefit of any political party.” 

He argued it raised questions over whether Cllr Kane “is instead choosing to put her party politics first”. 

He added: “That is deeply disappointing, and not what the people of Darlington expect or deserve from their civic figurehead.”

The by-election is taking place next week after former councillor Amanda Riley stood down from the role in October due to ill health.

Ms Riley had been a councillor since 2023 and was previously a cabinet member for stronger communities.

It marks the first council vote since an all-out election in May 2023 and will see Labour fighting to defend the seat.