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Darlington Labour has been warned of Reform UK's potential rise throughout the borough. Council leaders have been criticised for approving proposals to restructure the constitution and

not prioritising residents' concerns. The Labour Party, which controls Darlington Borough Council in partnership with the Liberal Democrats, was told "the wolves are at the

door" after Reform's recent success in this month's local elections. Reform recently gained 65 seats on Durham County Council to win overall control of the local authority.

The first sign of its strength will be on show at Wednesday's annual council meeting, when several councillors are expected to be voted in as committee chairs and scrutiny members. The

next Darlington Borough Council election takes place in May 2027. The poll in two years will be Reform's first major test in Darlington after previously standing a candidate in the 2024

General Election. Then, the party came third with 6,852 votes behind Labour and the Conservatives, but ahead of the Green Party and Liberal Democrats. Councillor Kevin Nicholson,

Independent member for Eastbourne, warned: "The wolves are at the door. Look what happened in County Durham. "When we busy ourselves talking about process and procedure, all of our

jobs as politicians are at risk. In 18 months, I will look over at you when you all turn aquamarine because that is what will happen, like it did in Durham. I will remind you all of this

situation." Council leaders said the changes are necessary to better facilitate the work of scrutiny and other committees, allowing them to start work quicker at the beginning of each

council year. "It's a widely used and well-established practice that helps committees hit the ground running," added Cllr James McGill. Yet, Conservative Leader Jonathan

Dulston warned that the changes will give council scrutiny less autonomy. "It's clear as day that this is a power grab from the Labour Party," he said. "What's even

more concerning is that the Liberal Democrats are sitting on their hands and allowing Labour to put this forward." FOR BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR AREA DIRECT TO YOUR INBOX EVERY DAY, GO HERE

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