All 50 seats on Darlington Borough Council are up for grabs for the first time since 2019 as voters head to the polls next week. 

The elections on Thursday, May 4, will see 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. 

Four wards in Darlington will elect two new councillors after several currently in office said they will not stand for re-election. They are: Brinkburn and Faverdale, Cockerton, Harrowgate Hill, and Sadberge and Middleton St George.

Harrowgate Hill

 

Of particular significance is the Harrowgate Hill ward, which is being targeted by several parties after current Independent councillors Ian Bell (formerly Conservative) and Lynn Paley (formerly Labour) said they will not stand for re-election. Whoever is elected could be joined by Conservative councillor Jon Clarke, who is also bidding for re-election in the ward. The Conservatives gained one new seat in this ward from Labour in 2019 but vote margins were close, and with two new candidates set to be elected, it is expected to be one to watch.

Cockerton

 

There are also 10 people battling it out on the ballot paper for the Cockerton ward, with two new candidates hoping to join current Labour councillor Jan Cossins, who is also standing for re-election. They are all vying to replace Labour cllr Eddie Heslop and Independent cllr Paul Baldwin (formerly Labour). Before cllr Baldwin changed allegiances, the ward was represented by a trio of Labour councillors, but the party will be wary of a Conservative power grab after a close round of voting in 2019.  

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Brinkburn and Faverdale

 

Much of the Conservatives success at the 2019 election came from the several gains it made from previous Labour seats throughout the borough. This was particularly apparent in Brinkburn and Faverdale as the party stole a march on Labour. But despite securing healthy majorities to elect three councillors, cllr Rachel Mills and cllr Lisa Preston will not stand for re-election. However, whether residents will be open to such a political shift remains to be seen. 

Sadberge and Middleton St George

 

Both cllrs Doris and Brian Jones will stand down from Sadberge and Middleton St George, however residents could elect two new Conservative councillors - but they face a potential tough contest from Independent candidates.