Reform’s Joanne Rush confirmed onto Nunthorpe Parish Council

Ms Rush, who was elected in December to serve as the ward councillor for Nunthorpe on Middlesbrough Council, was the only valid nomination for the role of parish councillor – the outcome was confirmed on Friday, January 23.

Cllr Rush, who is Reform’s first representative on the parish council in Nunthorpe, said she is “really proud” to now be serving as a parish councillor.

Within the role, Cllr Rush hopes to deliver “practical improvements” for all residents of Nunthorpe, highlighting the importance of community safety and the protection of green spaces.

The vacancy arose following the December resignation of parish council chair Adrian Walker, whose departure followed that of fellow parish councillor Morgan McClintock in October 2025. Mr McClintock’s replacement – Doug Wardale – was co-opted at a recent meeting of the parish council, as an election wasn’t triggered in his instance. 

Middlesbrough Council documents explained that in the case of parish councillors who resign, an election is held if 10 eligible electors request an election.

Following Mr Walker’s departure, enough letters were put in to Middlesbrough Council requesting an election, rather than leaving the parish council to co-opt another member. If it had been contested, the election would have taken place on Thursday, February 19. 

Chair of the parish council, Wade Tovey, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) last week that if one person was nominated for the vacancy, the election would cost “of the order” of £5,000. If it had been contested, then it would have cost “between £10,000 and £12,000”, with the parish council having to foot the bill.

The deadline for nominations was 4pm on Friday, January 23, and Cllr Rush was the only candidate for the role, hence she was immediately victorious in the uncontested election and was declared a parish councillor weeks before the date earmarked as polling day.

It is the first time in more than three months that all of the seven member positions on the parish council have been filled. 

Newly elected parish councillor Joanne Rush was contacted about what she hoped to bring to the role and what she wanted to achieve.

Cllr Rush said: “I am really proud to now be serving as a parish councillor for Nunthorpe alongside my role as ward councillor. It is a privilege to represent residents at both levels, and it gives me a stronger platform to make sure local voices are heard and acted upon.

“In this new role, my focus will be on working collaboratively with fellow parish councillors and ward colleagues to deliver practical improvements that benefit all Nunthorpe residents.

That includes community safety, local facilities, protecting green spaces, and making sure local voices are reflected in decision-making at every level.

“I am also keen to support and strengthen our community assets, including the community centre, so they continue to serve residents of all ages and play a positive role in bringing people together.

“Above all, I want residents to know that I am here to listen, to work hard on their behalf, and to help ensure Nunthorpe remains a strong, well-connected community that people are proud to live in.”