At least 15 new councillors will be elected in Darlington after several decided not to stand for re-election in May.
Political parties will battle it out for all 50 seats throughout the town for the first time since 2019, with 26 needed to form a majority council. The 2019 election returned a ‘no overall control result’ after no party reached the majority threshold but the Conservatives later struck a cross-party deal.
This year’s elections are shaping up to be some of the most significant in decades as the Conservatives look to strengthen their position in control of the council but face a fierce contest against a Labour Party eager to return to power.
The political landscape in Darlington experienced a seismic shift in 2019 when the Conservatives gained control of the council for the first time in 40 years. Even though their majority is small, any new gains will increase its power.
But Labour insists it has ‘changed for the better’ and will see six current councillors leave the council chamber. There will also be six outgoing faces from the Conservative party and three Independent councillors, though all parties will hope to increase their capacity on the council come May 4.
Residents must register to vote by April 18 and have a valid form of ID at the polling station when voting on Thursday, May 4.
Read more: Darlington local elections 2023 - full list of candidates
Who is standing down as a councillor?
Paul Baldwin - Cockerton - Independent
Ian Bell - Harrowgate Hill - Independent
Christy Chou - Hurworth - Conservative
Eddie Heslop - Cockerton - Labour
Cyndi Hughes - Park East - Labour
Linda Hughes - Pierremont - Labour
Charles Johnson - Hummersknott - Conservative
Brian Jones - Sadberge and Middleton St. George - Conservative
Doris Jones BEM - Sadberge and Middleton St. George - Conservative
Eleanor Lister OBE - Northgate - Labour
Rachel Mills - Brinkburn and Faverdale - Conservative
Wendy Newall - Bank Top and Lascelles - Labour
Lynn Paley - Harrowgate Hill - Independent
Lisa Preston - Brinkburn and Faverdale - Conservative
Andrew Scott - Haughton and Springfield - Labour
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