County Durham Labour has claimed a raft of influential roles on the County Council, as the Tory-led Coalition’s grip on the authority continues to weaken.
Among the positions gained by Labour was the Chair of Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board, which sees Deputy Leader Rob Crute take up the role, enabling the party to better hold Coalition decision making to account.
In total, Labour, helped take nine positions from the Coalition running Durham County Council: three Scrutiny Chairs, two Scrutiny Vice Chairs, two Vice Chair roles on Statutory Licensing and one Chair of Licensing. One Independent who stood against the Coalition was also backed by Labour.
Labour Leader, Cllr Carl Marshall said:
“This is another landmark moment in the turning of the tide in County Durham. Labour is ready to take back control of Durham County Council and having secured victories in every by-election since 2021, we’re now reclaiming these influential roles within the authority. Roles which allow us even greater power to hold this shaky Coalition to account.
“These are key victories, allowing Labour greater oversight, scrutiny and influence over the regressive and sometimes harmful decisions that have been pushed through by this chaotic Tory-led Coalition, which obviously no longer has a political mandate from the Council. I would say to Cllr Hopgood, that while she may not like it, democracy has spoken.
“Congratulations to all the new Chairs and Vice Chairs. They are dedicated councillors who I’m sure will be determined and thorough in their new roles.”
The Council AGM threw several other surprises, which included Council Leader, LibDem Amanda Hopgood, holding onto her position, despite a pledge two years ago that the leadership of the council would be passed shared annually by the three parties that make up the Coalition: Conservatives, LibDems and Independents.
Labour Deputy Leader, Cllr Rob Crute, said:
“Labour members have remained a focused, united and determined force for positive change while the cracks evident in this Tory-led Coalition for two years have become irreparable chasms.
“What we saw in that Council Chamber was a display of togetherness from the county’s largest party while the fragile alliance of Tories, LibDems and some Independents fell apart. This is the beginning of the end of the Coalition and not a moment too soon.
“While Labour displays unity, solidarity and compassion for our residents, the only thing that holds this Coalition together is their hatred for Labour, which is no foundation for positive, progressive administration of the region’s largest council.”