Chair re-elected

May 27, 2026

Reform councillor Robbie Roddis has been re-elected as chair of Durham County Council for a second year.

The ward member for Crook was elected unopposed into the role, after first taking up the position following the local election in May 2025.

He has been joined by vice-chair Cllr Jackie Teasdale, of Delves Lane ward, who also held the role last year.

As well as presiding over full council meetings, Cllr Roddis will represent the local authority on civic visits and at ceremonial events, while raising funds and awareness for his chosen charities.

“Thank you to the members who kindly placed their trust in me by awarding me with this exceptional honour for another year,” he told the council’s annual general meeting.

During the next year in office, Cllr Roddis said he will help raise funds for the Just for Women centre in Stanley – a local organisation that provides counselling and mental health support.

“It’s a fine organisation that desperately needs funds,” he added.

Born and bred in County Durham, Cllr Rodiss worked at Ramar’s Clothing Factory before working at Fosters Brick Flats.

He joined Durham Constabulary in 1980 and served for 31 years as a police and detective constable before retiring and joining the British Transport Police for four years as a covert intelligence officer operating nationwide.

He added: “County Durham is a beautiful place with a long and unique history and I love my county. Founded in 995 AD as a safe refuge for the relics of St Cuthbert, the city and county have a dramatic history.

“It is our collective responsibility to govern fairly and effectively, to listen to concerns, and when needed, provide a helping hand, to help the less fortunate in their times of trouble and treat every one of our residents with fairness and compassion.

“It is a huge task, and I know all members in this chamber will try to do their best for County Durham.

“Democracy is the most revolutionary thing that has ever happened. We must never allow people to forget this.”