Durham County Council election results: Reform UK takes seats

Reform UK is making large gains on Durham County Council, as counting continues.

It has secured more than 20 seats so far, gaining from Labour, the Conservatives and independents.

The council was previously run as a coalition between the Liberal Democrats, Tories and independent councillors.

There are 98 seats being contested on the local authority.

Results in Durham are continuing to be declared throughout the afternoon.

Meanwhile, Reform also won its first seat on Hartlepool Borough Council following a by-election.

Amanda Napper took the Throston ward seat from Labour with 889 votes.

Speaking after the count, she told the Local Democracy Reporting Service her priorities would be to tackle anti-social behaviour.

“When you see the state of Throston ward it makes you realise how much hard work it needs to pull it into shape, so I’m fully eyes wide open to the amount of work needed,” she said.