THE future mayor of Darlington is under investigation after a councillor claimed she assaulted him at a cops and robbers themed charity ball.

Labour councillor Jan Taylor is being investigated by Durham Police and Darlington Borough Council over allegations that she struck Cllr Kevin Nicholson in the face at the annual Mayor’s Ball.

On Wednesday, Cllr Nicholson - the only independent councillor elected in Darlington – confirmed he had reported an incident following the charity event, held at the town's Dolphin Centre on Friday, April 28.

Both Cllr Nicholson and Cllr Taylor declined to comment further on the issue while the investigation is underway but it is understood that their accounts of the incident differ.

Cllr Nicholson said: “I can confirm I have reported an assault to the police and to the council but for integrity reasons, that is as much as I want to say at the moment.”

Cllr Taylor, who will become Darlington’s mayor a week today (Thursday, May 18) said: “Allegations have been made and there are investigations on-going so I cannot comment.”

The town’s mayoress, Cllr Doris Jones, said: “The mayor and I were absolutely shocked to hear about this but until we know all of the facts, it is difficult to comment.

“All we wanted was for everyone to have a good time and to enjoy a lovely night – when we heard of what had allegedly happened, we were gobsmacked.”

As a result of the allegations, the Firthmoor and District Community Association – which Cllr Nicholson chaired for several years – cancelled all engagements with the future mayor.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary confirmed the force had received reports of a minor assault at the Dolphin Centre and had interviewed a 63-year-old woman in relation to the incident.

He said the woman had attended the interview voluntarily and that investigations were still on-going.

A Darlington Borough Council spokesman said: “We are looking into an allegation about conduct at the mayor’s ball. It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.”