A former Green councillor has left the party to sit as an independent member in Darlington. 

Thomas Robinson has become a non-aligned Independent councillor after leaving Darlington’s Green group of councillors this month. 

Cllr Robinson was elected to serve the Hummersknott ward at the 2023 local elections. 

It is not clear why he has left the party and become an Independent member. Cllr Robinson was contacted for comment but did not respond. 

Councillor Thomas Robinson Councillor Thomas Robinson (Image: Darlington Borough Council)

Councillor Kate Mammolotti, who also represents Hummersknott ward as a Green party councillor will continue to serve residents. 

A Darlington Green Party spokesman said: "Darlington Green Party have informed Darlington Borough Council’s democratic services that Cllr Thomas Robinson is no longer a member of the Green Group of Councillors. 

“Cllr Kate Mammolotti remains available to serve the needs of Hummersknott residents and is receiving extra support from Green Party members."

Recommended reading: 

Subscribe to The Northern Echo now.

The latest defection means has shifted the political balance of Darlington Borough Council once again. There are currently 24 Labour councillors, 13 Conservative, six Green, five Independents, and two Liberal Democrats.  

Labour regained control of Darlington Borough Council in May 2023 after agreeing to a coalition deal with the Liberal Democrats.

Other councillors to recently become Independent members include James Coe (formerly Liberal Democrat), Colin Pease and Yvonne Renton (formerly Conservatives).