Latest news with #IndependentCouncillor
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Chester-le-Street Independent councillor joins Reform UK
An Independent councillor has defected to Reform UK, saying change was "much-needed".Chester-le-Street South councillor Paul Sexton's joining the party means it has pushed its overall majority back up to 65 councillors, following Andrew Kilburn's resignation on who has been an Independent with Durham County Council since 2017, was re-elected alongside fellow Independent councillor Bill Moist on 2 about the switch in allegiance, he said Chester-le-Street "needed a voice on the inside". Instead of sitting in opposition, he will work alongside the party's 64 other members in overall control of the previously held the role of cabinet member for adults and health services but resigned in protest at the management of the council by the former joint administration, made up of Liberal Democrats, Conservatives and Husband, also of Reform UK, was elected to the neighbouring Chester-le-Street North ward. Sexton said: "Reform has a huge mandate to effect the much-needed change in County Hall and I have the experience to support this initiative. "Chester-le-Street needs a voice on the inside if we're to achieve the much-needed investment that our fabulous town deserves."Local Reform officials said they expected more county councillors to join the party, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. A Reform spokesman said: "We're delighted Paul Sexton has joined us."We welcome anyone who shares our vision for integrity, accountability, and meaningful change to join us." Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
BBC News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Warwickshire Reform UK councillor to serve as an Independent
A newly-elected Reform UK councillor has switched to serve as an Independent because of his Shingler, who represents Nuneaton's Galley Common in Warwickshire, said he would be an Independent councillor for the "next 18 months" because his work meant he was unable to serve under a political organisation or a statement on social media before the polls, he apologised to electors for the "mistake".A party spokesperson said they were "confident" Shingler would sit as a councillor for the party following the end of his employment, the nature of which has not been confirmed. Shingler was elected to serve as Warwickshire County Councillor for Galley Common with 1,289 a statement on Facebook on 28 April, Shingler said he "cannot run under a political organisation, party or movement due to my employment" but it was too late to change ballot papers that linked him to Reform."If elected, I cannot stand as a Reform councillor, I will have to be an Independent councillor representing you until I leave my employment," the statement said. Shingler wrote that his message was delivered with "a heavy heart" and after "a very long few days trying to put out a fire that happened due to my mistake".He wrote: "My beliefs are still of Reform, and I will remain a Reform UK member."Shingler has not confirmed his line of work, and a party spokesperson said the councillor asked them not to disclose it since it would endanger his employment.A Reform UK spokesman added: "Due to his employment, Mr Shingler is not able to represent any party on Warwickshire Council."We are confident that he will sit as a Reform UK councillor in 18 months following the end of his employment." Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
