Reform UK have taken control of Durham County Council as Nigel Farage celebrates in Newton Aycliffe. It comes as Reform UK have won control over a number of councils around the UK.
Reform UK has dramatically seized control of Durham County Council, securing a landslide victory with 65 out of 98 seats. This surge significantly impacted Labour, the Conservatives, and independent councillors, marking a major political upheaval in the region.
Party leader Nigel Farage, celebrating in Newton Aycliffe, issued a stark warning to civil servants, particularly those involved in climate change, diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, and those working remotely. He also dismissed Sir Keir Starmer's earlier dismissal of Reform, stating, "We were going to have the Labour Party for lunch, and that's what we have done."
Among the newly elected Reform councillors is former GB News presenter Darren Grimes, who won a seat in the Annfield Plain and Tanfield ward. Grimes emphasized his commitment to public service, promising to "get the auditors in" to ensure fiscal responsibility.
The election results ended a coalition rule by the Liberal Democrats, Conservatives, and independents. The Liberal Democrats, led by Amanda Hopgood, retained 14 seats, a slight increase. The Green Party also gained a seat, now holding two. Labour suffered a devastating loss, reduced to just four seats, with former leader Carl Marshall losing his seat in Stanley. The Conservatives were also heavily impacted, retaining only one seat, held by Richard Bell in Upper Teesdale. Independents secured 14 seats.
Labour MP Liz Twist acknowledged the need for her party to accelerate policy implementation, stating, "We have a clear plan and we need to make sure people understand that plan."
Reform UK also achieved its first seat on Hartlepool Borough Council, with Amanda Napper winning the Throston ward from Labour. Napper pledged to prioritize tackling anti-social behavior.
In other North East developments, Labour narrowly retained the North Tyneside mayoralty, with Karen Clark succeeding Dame Norma Redfearn. In Northumberland, the Conservatives remained the largest party with 26 seats, but fell short of a majority. Reform UK emerged as the second-largest party in Northumberland, gaining 23 seats.
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