Durham Reform UK councillor resigns just nine days after being elected, party says
A Reform UK councillor elected to Durham County Council just nine days ago has resigned his seat after failing to declare he worked for the council, the party has said.
Andrew Kilburn was elected to the Benfieldside ward as Reform swept to victory in local elections in County Durham winning 65 seats and gaining overall control of the council.
His resignation will not affect the party's majority.
A Reform spokesperson told ITV News: 'We understand that Mr Kilburn did not declare his employment to the returning officer as expected and is now required to resign his seat.
'We look forward to contesting the upcoming by-election to give the people of Benfieldside a strong voice in Durham County Council.'
Andrew Kilburn (second from left) being elected on May 2. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
A Labour source has described the situation "an utter shambles"
It follows claims this week that 'several' Reform members' futures were in doubt due to their current employment in the council. Employees are disqualified from standing as councillors at the same time under national legislation.
It;s understood a by-election will now be held to find a new councillor.
Mr Kilburn was elected with 1007 votes alongside fellow Reform candidate Sandra Grindle as the party gained both seats in the Benfieldside ward – one from Labour and one from an independent.
The party identified County Durham as a battleground region to help grow its popularity and political status in the North East, with party leader Nigel Farage visiting multiple times in the lead up to polling day.
A Labour spokesperson told the Echo: 'Reform's chaos and mismanagement in Durham show they are simply not a serious party.
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'After their promise to cut waste, taxpayers in Durham will now be forced to foot the bull for a completely unavoidable by election. An utter shambles.'
It is understood that candidates do not have to declare their place of employment on electoral nomination papers. Durham County Council said last week that a staff member could take their role as councillor after being elected but would have to resign from their employment.
By-elections have been triggered elsewhere in England after Reform councillors resigned their roles just days after being elected.
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