Reform councillor resigns one week after election

A Reform UK councillor elected just over a week ago has resigned after failing to declare that he worked for the council.

Andrew Kilburn will no longer take up his role as a Durham county councillor for Benfieldside.

He was elected with 1,007 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.

A spokesperson for the party said it looked forward to contesting the upcoming by-election.

Mr Kilburn's profile on the council website has been removed, and a by-election will be held to elect a new councillor for the ward. The date and further information on the election will be confirmed in due course.

Despite the setback, Reform said it hoped to retain its stronghold on the ward, which also covers Blackhill and Shotley Bridge.

A Reform UK spokesman said: "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."

Last week, Durham County Council addressed reports that several newly elected Reform councillors will not be able to continue their roles.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service was told several councillors' futures were in doubt due to their current employment within the council.

National legislation means employees are disqualified from standing as councillors at the same time.

A council spokesperson said: "We are aware of a small number of allegations that newly elected councillors are unable to take their seats because they are council employees.

"As part of the process of standing in an election, each candidate must sign a declaration that they meet all the necessary statutory requirements to be able to stand. This is the candidate's responsibility.

"If an employee was elected, they are not automatically disqualified from taking their seat, however, they must resign from their employment in order to continue to be a councillor."

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