Durham County Council election win over Reform UK is ‘huge’
Cllr Terry Rooney won a by-election to represent Benfieldside in Consett on Durham County Council on Thursday (July 3). It was triggered by the resignation of Reform councillor Andrew Kilburn just nine days into his term.
Mr Kilburn was found to be ineligible to stand as he already worked for the council.
Cllr Rooney, who won the seat by 24 votes over Labour, pushing Reform down to third, said the result was ‘huge’.
“I can not believe it,” he told the Echo.
“I didn’t think it was going to turn for me, it’s been unbelievable.”
A turnaround with a swing of around 17 percentage points saw May’s outsiders become July’s victors.
“I never thought for one minute that we would be able to swing it from the results that happened in May, but it’s just down to the hard work of the team.”
Cllr Rooney attended the count with his wife Kathryn, a county councillor for the next ward over in Consett North.
After winning, Cllr Rooney said his priority was to ‘carry on the good work that my wife’s already done in the last four years.’
“I’m hoping that people will give us a chance.”
Controversy surrounded the by-election after Mr Kilburn’s resignation with council data estimating it would cost about £22,800 – a figure described as a ‘gross waste of taxpayers’ money’ by a former council leader.
Cllr Rooney added: “I have campaigned for the Reform Party’s millionaire backers to pay for the £23,000 of council taxpayers’ money they have wasted on this by-election due to their own incompetence nominating an ineligible candidate.
“They must now listen to the people of Consett and Benfieldside and pay back the council taxes that could have been used on play areas, potholes, or helping disabled children.”
Recommended reading
On Thursday it was announced a second by-election for the Easington and Shotton ward will be held on August 7 after a Reform councillor was forced to stand down last month due to personal health issues.
Full results:
Stephen Harrison – REFORM UK – 747
Kevin Earley – LABOUR – 800
David Lowes – CONSERVATIVE – 76
Stephen Robinson – INDEPENDENT – 459
Terry Rooney – LIBERAL DEMOCRAT – 824 – ELECTED
Richard Edward Simpson – GREEN – 40
Reform UK has been contacted for comment.