QUESTIONS have been raised over whether a ruling group is troubled by "internal squabbles" after a councillor's double resignation.

Cllr Rachel Mills has quit as leader of the Conservative Party Group, and as cabinet member for adult and social care, at Darlington Council.

She stepped down as Conservative group leader earlier this week, having served in the role for four months.

She resigned from the cabinet role last month. She will continue to serve as a councillor representing Brinkburn and Faverdale.

Councillor Mills said: "I resigned from my cabinet position on August 24 on a point of principle. There was then a group meeting convened regarding that resignation and my reasons for doing so.

"Due to the ongoing situation and my reasons for resigning my cabinet position I have subsequently also resigned as Conservative Group Leader as it goes against my personal principles to continue."

She did not elaborate on her reasons for stepping down when asked on Thursday.

In May, Conservative councillors agreed Cllr Mills should take over as group leader from Cllr Heather Scott, former group leader of 14 years and council leader.

"I can confirm Rachel Mills has resigned as leader of the Conservative group and the internal process of electing a new leader has already started.

"All 23 conservative councillors continue to work hard in our ambition of transforming the council and our town.

"We have some amazing projects ongoing with lots of future opportunities coming to fruition. Our energy and focus remains on our priority of delivering success for Darlington"

Labour Group leader Cllr Stephen Harker said councillors from all sides of the chamber acknowledged Cllr Mills' competence in cabinet.

He said: "It does seem like there's been a disagreement within the Conservative Group. The concern is, if that's the case, is there infighting going on?

"All our focus should be working on all the things we need to do to put life back to some sense of normality, not to mention the other issues we have in terms of Brexit and the wider economy. This is the time to be focusing on those jobs in hand rather than internal squabbles.

"There are questions about whether their focus is on the business of the council, which has serious issues we are trying to resolve."

Green Party councillor Matthew Snedker said: “I’m sorry to see her stand down but worried that it points to a dysfunctional ruling group.

“The tensions have been hinted at but there is clearly something fundamental going on inside the Conservative Group. And I think the people of Darlington need to be reassured that the ruling group are actually fit to rule Darlington."