Two former Conservative councillors in County Durham have resigned to become Independents, writes Local Democracy Reporter, Bill Edgar.
Cllr Joanne Howey was joined by Cathy Hunt in leaving the Conservative Party in Bishop Auckland. The pair currently represent the Woodhouse Close ward in the town.
Cllr Howey suggested she resigned “because of how I am treated by some members of the local party”. The Tories selected two new candidates for the resized Bishop Auckland ward alongside existing Spennymoor councillor Luke Allan Holmes.
From May 2025, the number of councillors will decrease to 98 elected members representing 51 wards across the county. The Woodhouse Close ward will be included within the new Bishop Auckland ward.
In a post on social media, Cllr Howey said: “I will not be standing as a Conservative candidate in Bishop Auckland in the local elections in May. The candidates have already been picked.
“I went into this to help people, to try and make life better for people and it has been the biggest honour of my life. I hope we have been able to make things a little better for people. I ticked off all my pledges and I am leaving the ward better than I found it.
“I am just a normal everyday person. I am not highly educated but have so much life experience. I can empathise and I like to use the common sense approach.
“I am still here for a couple of months. So, if you need me, please still reach out. I will really miss representing you all and thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.”
She was selected by the Conservative Party as its candidate for the Easington constituency at the 2024 General Election and finished third behind Labour and Reform UK.
Cllr Hunt is expected to stand for re-election in Crook, however, Cllr Howey said she is unsure whether she has the funds to stand for re-election as an Independent member.
Both councillors were praised by the local Tories for their dedicated service to their community.
A spokesman for Bishop Auckland Conservatives said: “We are genuinely sorry to see both Joanne and Cathy leave the Conservative Party.
During their time as councillors, both have been dedicated public servants and have worked hard to make a positive impact in their communities.
“Joanne and Cathy were both instrumental in their work for Woodhouse Close and Bishop Auckland, and their contributions have undoubtedly made a difference. We sincerely appreciate their commitment to improving local life and the dedication they’ve shown to their constituents.
“We wish Joanne and Cathy all the best in their future endeavours, and we thank them once again for their hard work and service.”
Bill Edgar
Reporter for the Local Democracy Reporter Service.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
