Suspended Reform councillors quit party
Two councilors sacked by Reform UK have resigned from the party.
Durham County Council deputy leader Darren Grimes said councilors Kenny Hope and Andrew Harrison had been suspended pending internal investigations. However, he claimed it would be inappropriate to comment on why the pair were suspended while investigations were ongoing.
On Friday, both councilors said they were leaving the party and would continue to serve as independents.
Hope, who represents Delves Lane in Consett, and Harrison, who represents Seaham, said their relationship with the Durham Reform leadership had irreversibly broken down.
A spokesman for the national party claimed Hope and Harrison were unsure how they would be able to resign from the party as they were suspended on Monday.
‘Leadership in respect’
Hope said he left the party with “deep regret.”
In a letter, he said he resigned weeks before Durham Reform’s group flogging, which led to him being bullied and harassed.
He claimed that “elements of the leadership” were waging a campaign to silence him.
He wrote: “To the leadership at Durham Borough Council: I do not work under you, nor was I elected merely to accommodate…
“Leadership is not about hierarchy or control. It is about respect, unity and appreciating the contribution of those around you.”
Both Grimes and Durham County Council Reform leader Andrew Husband have been approached for comment on the criticism.
Hope said he will continue in his role as councilman and serve residents “selflessly, professionally and with integrity.”
Durham Reform says both councilors have been sacked by the party [LDRS]
Harrison said he resigned from Reform due to “irreconcilable differences with the leadership in Durham” and “lack of support”.
He said he will continue to serve Seaham residents independently.
“Doing the right thing has always been my motivation, and I will try to get things done without procrastination or delay,” he said.
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