On 1st May, 2025, Reform UKs Andrew Kilburn won the Benfieldside (Durham) by-election with 1,007 votes, alongside fellow Reform candidate Sandra Grindle, securing both seats in the Benfieldside ward.
Andrew Kilburn resigned just nine days later after failing to declare that he was employed by Durham County Council, which disqualified him from serving as a councillor under national legislation that prohibits council employees from simultaneously holding such roles.
His resignation triggered a by-election on 3rd July, 2025, which Reform UK lost to the Liberal Democrats' Terry Rooney.
Liberal Democrat Councillor Alex Neil posted to X:
What a result! One of Reform UK’s first by-election defenders lost to the Liberal Democrats!
Great to be a part of the campaign and well done to new Cllr Terry Rooney!
https://twitter.com/AlexanderNeil04/status/1941044601886068975
