Latest news with #PaulSexton
BBC News
15-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
County Durham Reform UK party elect leader as Andrew Husband
A newly elected Reform UK councillor has been selected to be the party's leader in County Durham after it took control of the Husband, member for Chester-le-Street North, was elected by fellow councillors on Wednesday and is expected to be voted in as leader of the council next GB News presenter Darren Grimes, councillor for Annfield Plain and Tanfield, is the party's deputy a Reform candidate at the 2024 General Election, said the people of Durham had given the party a "clear mandate for serious change". Reform UK swept to victory in the 2 May local elections by winning 65 just days later, one of its new councillors, Andrew Kilburn, was forced to resign after he failed to declare he worked for the council, triggering a by-election in party's numbers remain at 65 councillors after Paul Sexton, former independent councillor for Chester-le-Street South, joined Reform earlier this week. 'Proven track record' Husband said it was "an honour and a privilege" to have been elected leader."What we have achieved here is incredible. From a standing start, we now have full control of the council. "The people of Durham have given us a clear mandate for serious change and we fully intend to deliver that."He is expected to be voted in as leader of the local authority at next week's full council meeting before setting out the party's key priorities for the administration, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. The council was previously run as a coalition between the Liberal Democrats - who are now the second largest party - the Conservatives and independent councillors.A Reform spokesperson said: "Andrew is a business leader with a proven track record of growth in start-ups and building successful teams."Evenwood Reform councillor Robert Potts, who defected from the Conservatives in December, was initially believed to be a front runner for the UK leader Nigel Farage MP recently caused controversy by saying a Reform-led county council would scrap working from home and cut spending on diversity, equity and he admitted local members were aware of the challenges and responsibility ahead. Follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Independent councillor defects to 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 Monday. Sexton, who has been an Independent with Durham County Council since 2017, was re-elected alongside fellow Independent councillor Bill Moist on 2 May. Speaking 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 authority. Sexton 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 Independents. Andrew 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. Reform councillor resigns one week after election Three independent councillors defect to Reform UK Durham County Council
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.
