Two Reform UK Durham County Councillors suspended by party

Council leader Andrew Husband said last night that the pair’s decision to quit before the outcome of an investigation “speaks volumes”.

Seaham councillor Andrew Harrison and Delves Lane representative Kenny Hope were suspended on Monday (May 11), according to a party spokesperson.

However, in a letter to constituents, Cllr Harrison claimed he and Cllr Hope had stepped down from the party, citing “unreconcilable differences” with the leadership of the council.

A Reform UK spokesperson said: "Andrew and Kenny were suspended from Reform UK pending investigation on Monday morning, so not quite sure what they're resigning from."

The nature of the investigation is not known.

Both councillors were elected in May 2025 amid a sweeping win in County Durham for Nigel Farage's party.

Andrew Harrison (left) was elected in May 2025. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

Posting in a Seaham Facebook group, Cllr Harrison said: "Today is a sad day as I have resigned from Reform UK due to unreconcilable differences with the leadership in Durham and lack of support. This has been highlighted in writing on multiple occasions and my reasoning."

But Durham County Council leader Andrew Husband said: "It is never good to have to suspend councillors.

"It was also unfair to comment on their status during a live investigation/suspension and the fact that both have resigned before its conclusion speaks volumes.

"We have a strong group of loyal councillors who support our vision and are proud of what we have achieved to date.

"When 65 individuals are thrown together with some large personalities, it's fair to say some won't work out.

"We will conclude the investigations before making any further comment."

Cllr Harrison is presently appealing a decision to fine his business, Churchills Management Ltd, £40,000 after the Home Office said it had employed someone without the right to work in the UK.

It is not known if this is connected to the suspension and resignation.

Both Cllrs Harrison and Hope served as chair and vice chair on the Economic Scrutiny and Enterprise committee at County Hall.

Kenny Hope (left) was also elected in May 2025. (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)

"We are both time served veterans and have both resigned on the same day with similar reasoning," Cllr Harrison said.

"Our values, integrity, honesty and principles come before everything and not [sic] negotiable.

"I will not go into any further detail as this would be unprofessional, however, I will say that I have not had any complaints by anyone disclosed to me or any other reason for my resignation. It’s simply the right thing to do."

It leaves Reform UK with 58 councillors at Durham County Council, down from the 65 elected under the party's banner in 2025.

Cllr Hope was contacted for comment.