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.
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01:43Let them