Reform UK takes control of Durham County Council

Just after 1pm on Friday (May 2), Reform passed the 49-seat threshold needed to take control of the council.

Nigel Farage’s party targeted the county throughout the campaign, with the Clacton MP visiting the region on multiple occasions, including in Stanley, where the insurgents ousted Labour Group leader Carl Marshall from his seat.

It is a historic result. The council was Labour-led for a century until 2021, when a coalition of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, Greens and Independents won control.

This is a breaking news story and we will provide updates when we get them.