Reform UK councillors are being sworn in to Durham County Council, with the party renaming several portfolios.
Any references to “climate change” and “equality and inclusion” have been removed and replaced.
The “neighbourhoods and climate change” portfolio has been changed to “neighbourhoods and environment”.
While “equality and inclusion” will now be known as “stronger communities and belonging”.
Darren Grimes has been sworn in as the Deputy Leader of Durham County Council
PA
Sixty-five newly elected Reform councillors are entering the council chamber for the first time, with a new leadership team being elected to control local authorities.
Cllr Andrew Husband will take the role as leader, and Cllr Darren Grimes will be his deputy and will oversee finance, policy and communication.
Other notable roles include Reform’s Cllr Robbie Roddiss, who has been elected chair of the council, and Cllr Jackie Teasdale, who will act as vice-chair and is the mum of Grimes.
Speaking before the meeting, Husband said the renaming and restructuring of cabinet roles illustrates Reform striking their authority on the council.
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The former county leader has called it a “tragedy” that Reform UK have taken control of County Durham.
Amanda Hopgood said: “It is a tragedy that County Durham will be the guinea pig for the experiment of the Reform Party leading one of the biggest councils in the country.”
Reform saw significant victories in the recent by-elections, taking control of 10 areas and having a further four where it is the largest party.
The party also has two new mayors in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull & East Yorkshire.
Local election 2025 results in fullPAEight of the newly elected Reform councils were snatched from Conservative control, with many having been comfortably under Tory rule for years.
Another of Farage’s wins came from Labour (Doncaster council) and a local authority which previously had no majority by any party (Durham County).
With the full results declared, it was confirmed that Farage’s party has taken the overall lead with 677 seats.
Deputy Reform UK leader Richard Tice claimed Reform councils are ‘delivering really well already’ following the election victory.
