Newly-elected Reform UK councillor resigns from South Tyneside post
Reform UK councillor resigns from South Tyneside Council - as body make statement on the news.
Harton’s newly-elected councillor Alex Clarke has resigned his post.
The Reform UK councillor was voted in at this year’s South Tyneside Council elections in May. Reform UK wrestled control of the council from The Labour Party, who lost their majority on the council for the first time in 47 years.
In a statement from the council it was revealed that Mr Clarke had resigned his position. A by-election for his seat will be called.
A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Alex Clarke has resigned as Elected Member for Harton with immediate effect on 18 June 2026.
“A vacancy in the Harton Ward will be declared in due course.
“The Council expects all elected Members to maintain high standards of conduct, both in public office and in their interactions with others.
“Any concerns regarding the behaviour of a councillor are considered in line with the Members’ Code of Conduct. Complaints are assessed by the Council’s Monitoring Officer, who will determine whether they meet the threshold for investigation and what action, if any, is appropriate.”
In communications with the Gazette, anti-fascist campaign and advocacy group HOPE not hate have reported that Clarke made a number of derogatory comments on a podcast.
These comments are said to be in relation to women drivers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the city of Birmingham.
More to follow...