Two Hartlepool Councillors Slammed for Woeful Attendance Records

Conservatives John Ledham (Left) & Labour's Ben Clayton (Right) have now recorded some of the worst attendance records for this year...

The two councillors representing Hartlepool Borough Council have recorded a woeful attendance record, with ZERO attendances to full council meetings over the year, raising questions over whether poorly attending councillors should have their allowances stopped to protect the public purse....?

18th November 2025

Two Hartlepool councillors have come under fire after recording shockingly poor attendance levels at key council meetings, raising serious concerns about their commitment to the communities they were elected to serve.

Manor House Labour councillor Ben Clayton and Hart ward Conservative councillor John Leedham are currently among some of the worst-attending elected members of Hartlepool Borough Council, according to recently reviewed attendance data.

Cllr John Leedham – Zero Attendance

Conservative Hart Ward Councillor John Ledham is set to see his seat up for election in May 2026

Conservative councillor John Leedham, elected to represent Hartlepool's Hart Ward, has so far recorded a 0% attendance rate, missing both full council meetings held for Hartlepool Borough Council's municipal year... This places Cllr Leedham at the very bottom of the councillor attendance table and has already sparked anger among Hart ward residents who say they have seen “no sign” of their councillor for months....

Cllr Ben Clayton – Four Meetings Missed

Labour Cllr Ben Clayton has also missed all of his full council meeting attendances

Manor House Labour councillor Ben Clayton has also performed similarly poorly, albeit only slightly better, having missed four council meetings to date.

This includes:

• Two full council meetings

• Two Licensing Committee meetings

  
  

Clayton’s repeated absences from both full council sessions and committee responsibilities has left many local residents questioning whether their ward is being adequately represented during crucial votes and discussions, especially as one Manor House Ward Councillor for the Labour Party, Labours Pamela Hargreaves, the wife of Jonathan Brash is up for election in the same council ward in May 2026.

Concerns Over Representation

The two councillors failure to attend full council meetings is raising concerns over whether locals are being adequately represented in their communities.

With Hartlepool facing significant pressures on housing, regeneration, community safety, and budget management, the role of councillors in attending meetings and participating in decision-making is more vital than ever.

Residents across both council wards are now asking whether councillors who fail to show up for their duties should face consequences for missing crucial council meetings, such as having their allowances sanctioned or come under disciplinary procedures from the political parties they represent. .

The figures also raise a broader issue over transparency and responsibility—particularly at a time when many voters already feel let down by local leadership & crucial local elections set to be held in just months.

What Happens Next?

It remains to be seen as to whether the Labour or Conservative groups will take action regarding the spiraling attendance issues of their councillors. For now, the people of Manor House and Hart wards are simply left wondering whether they're really receiving the representation they were promised.

Or whether some are simply in it for the money ?

What do you think ?

Should Hartlepool Councillors who fail to attend Council Meetings have their £8,330 a year allowances stopped ?

• YES
• NO