Cost of by-election revealed after Durham Reform resignation

Local elections on May 1 saw Nigel Farage's party score a sweeping victory in Durham, winning 65 seats.

But just nine days later, that number was reduced to 64 as Andrew Kilburn resigned from his Benfieldside seat after being found to be ineligible to become a councillor - he already worked for the council.

Figures from council officials estimate the cost of the by-election will be in the region of £22,800, a figure described as a 'gross waste of taxpayers' money' by a former council leader.

Andrew Kilburn (second from left) resigned nine days after he was elected (Image: CHRIS BOOTH) A petition was sent to residents in the Benfieldside ward by the Liberal Democrats, calling for Reform to pay the costs of the upcoming election, which The Northern Echo understands is likely to take place in July.A petition has been sent to residents in Benfieldside, Consett. (Image: Contributor)

Calls for Reform to pay for the by-election have been echoed by local Labour party figures.

Blaydon and Consett MP Liz Twist said: "The news that this by-election could cost up to £23,000 is shocking, for a party to put forward a candidate that was ineligible from the very start shows the level of disrespect they are showing our communities, costing taxpayers £2,500 for every day Benfieldside had a Reform councillor.

Liz Twist MP said the cost was 'completely unacceptable'. (Image: UK Parliament) "It is completely unacceptable and voters deserve so much more than Reform have offered so far."

A spokesperson for Reform hit back at claims of 'wasteful spending', saying: “The average parliamentary by-election costs taxpayers around £230,000.

"The violent conduct of former Labour MP Mike Amesbury coupled with the likely by-election in North East Somerset as a result of Labour’s lax vetting procedures will cost the public purse almost half a million pounds.

"Labour should get their own house in order before throwing stones.”

Reform had its first council meeting in charge of Durham County Council on Wednesday. (Image: Stuart Boulton) Recommended reading

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Cllr Amanda Hopgood said it was a 'gross waste' of money. (Image: Stuart Boulton) Former leader of the council Amanda Hopgood said: "Reform have made a huge issue of standing on a platform of reducing council ‘waste’, there can be few things more wasteful for the taxpayer of County Durham than a by-election being called because the new administration could not get their paperwork in order.

"This is a gross waste of taxpayer money and if they truly believe in tackling waste, then they should lead by example and pay for their own mistake."

Reform officially took control of Durham County Council at Wednesday's AGM (May 21), with changes already made to department names - removing 'climate change' and 'equality' from cabinet roles.