A Darlington councillor has stepped down from her role on the Labour/ Liberal Democrat council cabinet. 

Councillor Amanda Riley announced her decision to resign as portfolio holder for Stronger Communities yesterday (Monday, November 11). 

She will be replaced by Labour Cockerton councillor Jim Garner.

The Labour member for Redhall and Lingfield was elected for the first time in May 2023 and was immediately promoted to the council cabinet. 

However, Cllr Riley revealed she decided to prioritise her family and work commitments. 

Councillor Riley (right) with Labour's Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Darlington MP Lola McEvoyCouncillor Riley (right) with Labour's Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Darlington MP Lola McEvoy (Image: The Northern Echo)

“Serving as a cabinet member has been a huge privilege,” she said. “I have enjoyed working with council and cabinet colleagues to make a difference for the residents of our borough.

"The decision to step down from this role has been incredibly difficult and not one that I wanted to make but, unfortunately, I'm unable to continue.”

Cllr Riley added: “Over the last year my son has been having a number of challenges, an autism diagnosis amongst other mental health issues has had a huge impact on our family life. When your son aged 12 tells you he doesn't want to be alive any more, it really makes you re-evaluate what is important in life.

“I work almost full time as a GP, a challenging and emotionally demanding job. Trying to juggle this job alongside the significant demands of the cabinet role and family life has taken its toll on my own mental and physical health, such that I could no longer continue with everything.

“I am extremely sad to be stepping down. There is so much more that I wanted to contribute. I will continue to support my colleagues in cabinet and wish Jim well in taking on the portfolio.”

Praising her work at the local authority, Council Leader Stephen Harker thanked Cllr Riley for her dedicated work.

“Amanda has been a fantastic member of the cabinet team, playing a key role in nurturing the many partnerships the council has with the voluntary sector,” he said. 

“In addition, her leadership in our liaison, particularly with Durham Constabulary, has ensured the council's close work with the police has never been stronger.

“I also want to acknowledge the leading role Amanda played in writing the new Council Plan. I would like to thank Amanda for her hard work and dedication in her role as cabinet member for the Stronger Communities portfolio.

“While Amanda's contribution in cabinet will be very much missed, I fully understand the reasons behind her decision.”

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On Cllr Garner, the Darlington Labour Party said: “Jim believes that the strength of any community lies with its people and Darlington is blessed with many voluntary and local based groups that enrich the town.

“He is driven by outcomes and confident he can draw on his business career to support these organisations.

“He believes the role of the council can be as a direct provider of community activities but feels best results are often achieved when they are an enabler; providing guidance and practical support to community-based organisations that know best what works best for them.”