Two Meetings a Year John: Hartlepool Councillor With One of Worst Attendance Records Steps Down
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
From Council Chamber to The Exit Door: Low-Attendance Councillor Will Not be Seeking Re-election after his Shameful Attendance record to Council Meetings is Exposed.
11th April 2026
A Hartlepool councillor who recorded one of the lowest attendance rates ever seen at the borough council will not be seeking re-election, according to the official Statement of Persons Nominated for the May 2026 local elections.
Conservative councillor John Leedham, who represents Hart Ward, will step aside after a term in which he attended just the statutory minimum of two meetings per year — the lowest level permitted before automatic disqualification from the role would take place.
Under local government rules, councillors must attend at least one meeting every six months to remain in post. Falling below that threshold would have triggered removal from office, placing Leedham’s attendance record among the poorest ever recorded in Hartlepool.
Labour Remains 'Silent' on its Worst Attending Councillor...
His record is understood to be even lower than that of Labour councillor Ben Clayton, who was previously highlighted by The Teesside & Durham Post for similarly poor attendance figures. Clayton’s record has already become a political flashpoint locally, with critics suggesting it could damage Labour’s chances of retaining control of Hartlepool Borough Council in the upcoming elections.
Leedham’s decision not to defend his seat is likely to be welcomed by some residents, particularly those who have raised concerns about accountability and value for money. Councillors currently receive an allowance of £8,330 per year, meaning his departure will also bring an end to that publicly funded payment.
With the Hart Ward seat now open, attention is now turning to who will take his place — with early indications suggesting the seat could fall to a Reform UK candidate as political competition intensifies ahead of polling day.
Despite stepping down, Leedham has remained involved in the local Conservative campaign, where he's listed as a seconder for Conservative candidate Lydia Waller, who is standing in Hartlepool's De Bruce ward.
The developments come at a crucial time for Hartlepool politics, with voter scrutiny on councillor performance, attendance, and accountability expected to play a key role in shaping the outcome of the May 2026 local elections.
