Councillor Kate Rowland resigns from Reform in County Durham

Kate Rowland, who represents Shildon and Dene Valley ward, is not aligned to any political group after leaving the party this week. 

She was elected alongside Reform county councillor James Rowland and Independent Michael Ramage at the local elections in May 2025 when Reform gained overall control of the authority. 

Her party status was changed on the Durham County Council website following Wednesday’s Annual General Meeting. 

A Reform UK spokesman said: “Councillor Kate Rowland has informed the group that she will be sitting as an Independent councillor and stepping back from committee responsibilities and party political activity for the time being. 

“We thank her for her contribution during her time with Reform UK and wish her well.”

Cllr Rowland was previously listed as the chair of the authority’s standards committee and fire authority committee, as well as being a member of the children and young people’s scrutiny committee.

She is the second former Reform councillor to resign from the party in the Shildon and Dene Valley ward after Michael Ramage stood down in February. 

Reform is represented by 57 councillors after initially winning 65 seats at the local election in May 2025.   

The council is also made up of 17 Independents, 15 Liberal Democrats, five Labour, 2 Greens, and one Advance UK. 

Cllr Rowland did not comment.