Labour Takes Murton Seat as Reform UK Suffers By-Election Blow
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Labour Takes Murton in Blow to Reform’s Grip on Durham County Council
6th March 2026
Labour has retaken a seat on Durham County Council after defeating Reform UK in the Murton by-election — a result that could signal the first cracks in Reform’s grip on power at County Hall.
The vote saw Labour candidate Julie Ann Griffiths secure victory with 1,004 votes, comfortably ahead of Reform UK’s Theo Samuel Bell on 786 votes. The remaining candidates finished some distance behind, with Green Party candidate Isaac Thomas Short polling 95 votes, Conservative Dorothy Ann Luckhurst receiving 61, and Liberal Democrat Neil Peter Thompson securing 38 votes.
The result represents a significant setback for Reform UK, who'd been looking to consolidate its position in County Durham following its breakthrough in the 2025 Durham County Council elections, when the party emerged as the largest group and took control of the large local authority.
Murton Sends a Message
Murton in County Durham sits in one of the most deprived parts of region, and local campaigners say the by-election result reflects growing anger over changes to council tax support which aids many low income households introduced under Reform’s leadership. Under proposals approved by the Reform-led council, the long-standing system that allowed some of the poorest residents to receive up to 100% council tax relief is being reduced — meaning many households who'd previously paid nothing will now have to contribute something towards their bill.
The change means that thousands of low-income working-age residents across County Durham will face new charges, with some expected to pay several pounds a week for the first time since the scheme was first introduced as part of Council Tax reforms by the Conservative Government back in 2013...
Critics argue the policy disproportionately affects communities like Murton, where incomes are among the lowest in the region.
Political Warning Sign for Reform?
While a single by-election rarely shifts the balance of power at a large authority like Durham County Council, the Murton result could be politically significant.
Reform swept into control of the council less than a year ago promising to shake up local government and protect taxpayers. But opponents say difficult financial decisions — including changes to council tax support and other spending pressures — are now beginning to test that promise.
With Labour regaining a foothold in Murton, some feel the vote could be an early indicator of how voters in traditionally Labour-leaning heartlands are responding to Reform’s time in power. Whether the result represents a one-off local swing, or the beginning of a broader shift in County Durham politics remains to be seen. But for Reform UK, the loss of a council seat in Murton will no doubt raise fresh questions about whether its hold on the council is as secure as it once appeared.