South Tyneside councillor 'voluntarily resigns' from Reform UK
A South Tyneside councillor has resigned from the borough’s Reform UK group.
A councillor has “voluntarily resigned” from South Tyneside’s Reform UK group.
Cllr Alex Barr, who was elected to represent the Primrose ward in May 2026, resigned from the party on Tuesday, August 11.
It is understood that Cllr Barr is set to continue representing the ward as an independent councillor on South Tyneside Council.
Cllr Paul Mackings, Leader of South Tyneside Council and the borough’s Reform UK group, confirmed that Cllr Barr has left the party in a statement on social media.
Cllr Mackings said: "Cllr Alex Barr has today [Tuesday, August 11] resigned voluntarily from the South Tyneside Reform UK Group.
“Cllr Barr will continue to represent Primrose ward as an independent councillor until further notice.
“Reform UK will not be making further comment on this matter.”
Cllr Barr becomes the second South Tyneside Reform UK councillor to resign from the party since the historic local elections in May, which saw Reform win 41 seats.
Reform UK councillor Alex Clarke, who was elected in the Harton ward, stepped down just weeks into the role following reports of offensive comments made on a podcast, which Clarke described as a comedy‑based show.
Clarke’s resignation meant that there was a by-election in the Harton ward, which was won last Thursday (August 6) by Reform UK candidate Katie Groom.
However, there won’t be a by-election following Cllr Barr’s decision to resign due to him remaining as an elected member on South Tyneside Council.
The Shields Gazette has contacted Cllr Barr for a comment.