Two suspended Reform UK councillors have quit the party, claiming their relationship with the local leadership had broken down irrevocably, and will continue as independents.

Suspended Reform UK councillors Kenny Hope (Delves Lane, Consett) and Andrew Harrison (Seaham) have resigned from the party, citing an irrevocably broken relationship with the Durham Reform leadership, while the national party claims it is unsure how they could resign given they were suspended on Monday.