Early Resignations Hit Reform UK After Election Surge

National World - LocalTV

Reform UK’s local election success has been overshadowed by early resignations, including candidates in Durham found ineligible or stepping down. The incidents have prompted by-elections and raised questions about candidate vetting and eligibility rules.

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00:00Reform UK made headlines across the country this month after exceeding expectations in the local elections,

00:06taking hundreds of council seats in what some have called a political earthquake.

00:11But despite the party's strong showing on May 1st,

00:14its momentum has been tempered by two high-profile resignations in the days that followed.

00:19In County Durham, Andrew Kilburn stepped down from his seat representing Benfield's side on Durham County Council.

00:25After it had emerged, he had failed to declare his employment within the same authority.

00:30Reform UK has responded by stating it's looking forward to contesting the Benfield's side by-election

00:35and offering residents what it calls a strong voice in Durham County Council.

00:39Under current regulations set out by the local government association,

00:44individuals cannot serve as councillors if they are employed by the same council they are elected to represent.

00:50Other disqualifications include being subject to bankruptcy restrictions,

00:54having recent criminal convictions within custodial sentences,

00:57are being listed under sexual offence notification requirements.

01:01The LGA also outlines that councillors must be at least 18 years old,

01:06registered to vote in or have lived in or worked or owned a property in the area relevant

01:10for at least 12 months before election day.

01:13In cases like Kilburn's, where an elected candidate is unable to take office,

01:18a by-election is triggered if the individual does not sign a declaration of acceptance within two months.

01:24The resignations have renewed scrutiny of the practice of feelings for paper candidates,

01:29individuals who stand with no serious expectation of winning,

01:33often to ensure a party is represented on every ballot.

01:37In some cases, these candidates are surprised to be elected,

01:40leading to complications post-election.

01:42Let themиваем the position.

01:43Let them

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