New Labour and Lib Dem cabinet revealed for Darlington Council

All eight of the roles on the council have changed hands after the two parties agreed a shared deal after the Conservatives were removed from power following the May local elections. 

Labour’s Stephen Harker has already been revealed as the new Council Leader after receiving the backing of Labour and Liberal Democrat colleagues despite the Conservatives and Greens voting against the move.

Now, the new administration has taken a significant step forward by assigning the eight key positions to Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors, as per a condition of the coalition deal. 

The announcement means there's a return to the top table for Labour's cllr Nick Wallis and Chris McEwan among recently-elected councillors to the party. 

Cllrs Chris McEwan and Nick Wallis have returned to the cabinet for the first time since 2019, when Labour lost local elections in Darlington (Image: The Northern Echo)

New cabinet roles 

Cllr Stephen Harker (Labour) - Council Leader

Cllr Chris McEwan (Labour) - Deputy Leader and Economy 

Cllr Nick Wallis (Labour) - Children and Young People

Cllr Matthew Roche (Labour)  - Health and Housing 

Cllr Mandy Porter (Labour) - Resources 

Cllr Dr Amanda Riley (Labour) - Stronger Communities

Cllr Libby McCollom (Labour) - Local Services 

Cllr Anne-Marie Curry (Liberal Democrat) - Adults

Labour’s route to the leadership was secured after it agreed on a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats, in a move which both parties say will “mean stability for Darlington and the effective running of the council”. In a joint statement, both Labour and Lib Dems said they will work together to ensure the Council strengthens the local economy and communities. 

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Both parties said the new council administration will involve and engage with residents, businesses, charitable organisations and other political parties in “an approach that will encourage everyone to co-operate for the benefit of Darlington,” the statement added. 

The Darlington Conservative Party was ousted from power after its performance in 2023 local elections, where it won 15 seats, was not enough to continue the power-sharing deal it had formed with the Lib Dem’s and Independents.

The Green Party, which holds seven seats following the local elections, spoke out against the coalition, arguing it isn’t in the best interests of the public and called for more open and transparent decision-making.