Joshua Nichol
@joshuanichol.bsky.social
✍️Reporter at The Northern Echo, The Great Daily of the North | joshua.nichol@newsquest.co.uk | DMs open | Words in Private Eye, Non-League Paper | Views my own | He/Him
A North East Conservative MP said the Rayner scandal has shown that Labour has "ruined the country".
Angela Rayner scandal shows Labour 'have ruined country' says North East MP
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has been blasted by a North East MP who claimed he has 'ruined our country' after his deputy Angela Rayner resigned.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
September 5, 2025 at 2:08 PM
A North East Conservative MP said the Rayner scandal has shown that Labour has "ruined the country".
Police are investigating a 'divisive' faked planning letter claiming a mosque would be built in a County Durham town.
'Divisive' fake mosque planning letter prompts police probe
A fake planning letter about a mosque being built in Chester-le-Street has been condemned.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
September 4, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Police are investigating a 'divisive' faked planning letter claiming a mosque would be built in a County Durham town.
Reform UK has suspended a Durham county councillor amid criticism of alleged social media posts criticising asylum seekers, after it emerged he works for the government department processing asylum claims.
From Bill Edgar
From Bill Edgar
Crook councillor suspended by Reform UK amid criticism over alleged online posts
A Crook county councillor has been suspended by Reform UK amid criticism of alleged social media posts criticising asylum seekers.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
August 27, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Reform UK has suspended a Durham county councillor amid criticism of alleged social media posts criticising asylum seekers, after it emerged he works for the government department processing asylum claims.
From Bill Edgar
From Bill Edgar
The Education Secretary is 'concerned' about the widening gap in top A-level results between London and the North East.
But, she refused to be drawn into a discussion over whether Govt needed more radical proposals to address ‘deep rooted’ inequality.
But, she refused to be drawn into a discussion over whether Govt needed more radical proposals to address ‘deep rooted’ inequality.
Education Secretary 'concerned' over widening gap between London and North East
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is 'concerned' about the widening gap in top A-level results between London and the North East.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
August 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
The Education Secretary is 'concerned' about the widening gap in top A-level results between London and the North East.
But, she refused to be drawn into a discussion over whether Govt needed more radical proposals to address ‘deep rooted’ inequality.
But, she refused to be drawn into a discussion over whether Govt needed more radical proposals to address ‘deep rooted’ inequality.
Reform UK has cut funding and withdrawn support from Durham Pride, reports @thenorthernecho.bsky.social’s Bill Edgar 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2539133...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2539133...
Reform cuts funding and withdraws support from Durham Pride event
Reform leaders have cut council funding for County Durham’s Pride event.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
August 14, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Reform UK has cut funding and withdrawn support from Durham Pride, reports @thenorthernecho.bsky.social’s Bill Edgar 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2539133...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2539133...
Today, the Deputy Leader of Durham County Council said The Northern Echo was “biased” because of an accurate report on by-election costs.
Darren Grimes said Reform will no longer engage with The Echo.
The Echo will continue to engage with Reform.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2523811...
Darren Grimes said Reform will no longer engage with The Echo.
The Echo will continue to engage with Reform.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2523811...
Holding Reform in Durham to account
THE Northern Echo yesterday published an accurate report on its website informing the public about the cost of two by-elections that taxpayers are…
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
June 13, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Today, the Deputy Leader of Durham County Council said The Northern Echo was “biased” because of an accurate report on by-election costs.
Darren Grimes said Reform will no longer engage with The Echo.
The Echo will continue to engage with Reform.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2523811...
Darren Grimes said Reform will no longer engage with The Echo.
The Echo will continue to engage with Reform.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2523811...
Schools minister Catherine McKinnell said both the government and schools needed time to 'prepare' when asked why free school meal eligibility changes won't come into force until 2026.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2521818...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2521818...
Schools need 'time' to implement 'urgent' free school meals expansion says minister
Minister Catherine McKinnell said schools need 'time' to prepare as the government's free school meal policy won’t come into force until 2026.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
June 6, 2025 at 7:01 AM
Schools minister Catherine McKinnell said both the government and schools needed time to 'prepare' when asked why free school meal eligibility changes won't come into force until 2026.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2521818...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2521818...
🏳️🌈Durham Pride could 'ban' politicians from next year's event after Reform-led Durham County Council took down the pride flag from its HQ.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2520120...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2520120...
May 30, 2025 at 1:03 PM
🏳️🌈Durham Pride could 'ban' politicians from next year's event after Reform-led Durham County Council took down the pride flag from its HQ.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2520120...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2520120...
A £22,800 cost for a by-election caused by a Reform councillor’s resignation after only nine days has been branded a ‘gross waste of taxpayer money’ 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2518180...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2518180...
May 22, 2025 at 6:57 AM
A £22,800 cost for a by-election caused by a Reform councillor’s resignation after only nine days has been branded a ‘gross waste of taxpayer money’ 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2518180...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2518180...
Darren Grimes 'hurt' by decision not to invite Reform to Durham Miners’ Gala.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2517865...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2517865...
May 21, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Darren Grimes 'hurt' by decision not to invite Reform to Durham Miners’ Gala.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2517865...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2517865...
Chester-le-Street Cllr Paul Sexton, who defected to Reform just nine days May’s election, was previously censured by the council for bullying and harassment, it has been revealed.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516908...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516908...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 17, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Chester-le-Street Cllr Paul Sexton, who defected to Reform just nine days May’s election, was previously censured by the council for bullying and harassment, it has been revealed.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516908...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516908...
Darren Grimes, Reform’s deputy leader on Durham County Council has been slammed for ‘appalling’ X posts - including an AI generated image of himself wearing a rainbow hijab while sat in a wheelchair.
But, the councillor says he won’t apologise.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516674...
But, the councillor says he won’t apologise.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516674...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 16, 2025 at 5:19 AM
Darren Grimes, Reform’s deputy leader on Durham County Council has been slammed for ‘appalling’ X posts - including an AI generated image of himself wearing a rainbow hijab while sat in a wheelchair.
But, the councillor says he won’t apologise.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516674...
But, the councillor says he won’t apologise.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516674...
An independent councillor in Chester-le-Street has defected to Reform, less than two weeks after being re-elected.
Paul Sexton has sat on Durham County Council since 2017.
#ReformUK
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516072...
Paul Sexton has sat on Durham County Council since 2017.
#ReformUK
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516072...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 13, 2025 at 4:57 PM
An independent councillor in Chester-le-Street has defected to Reform, less than two weeks after being re-elected.
Paul Sexton has sat on Durham County Council since 2017.
#ReformUK
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516072...
Paul Sexton has sat on Durham County Council since 2017.
#ReformUK
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2516072...
By-election confirmed in County Durham as Reform councillor quits NINE days after election.
Full story below 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2515434...
Full story below 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2515434...
Durham Reform UK councillor resigns just nine days after being elected, party says
A Reform UK councillor elected to Durham County Council just nine days ago has resigned his seat after failing to declare he worked for the council,…
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 13, 2025 at 7:34 AM
By-election confirmed in County Durham as Reform councillor quits NINE days after election.
Full story below 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2515434...
Full story below 👇
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2515434...
Reform has backed down from a ‘farcical’ ban on County flags being flown on council buildings in Durham.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513883...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513883...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 5, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Reform has backed down from a ‘farcical’ ban on County flags being flown on council buildings in Durham.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513883...
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513883...
Staff at Durham County Council should ‘join a union’ after Reform’s election win, according to UNISON chief Christina McAnea.
Durham County Council staff 'should join union' after Farage 'job loss warning'
The head of trade union Unison has urged staff at Durham County Council to sign up after Nigel Farage warned workers to seek “alternative…
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 4, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Staff at Durham County Council should ‘join a union’ after Reform’s election win, according to UNISON chief Christina McAnea.
The face of County Durham’s politics has been reformed.
Analysis, interviews and comment on a historic day in the region’s politics.
All in tomorrow’s Northern Echo.
#TomorrowsPapersToday
Analysis, interviews and comment on a historic day in the region’s politics.
All in tomorrow’s Northern Echo.
#TomorrowsPapersToday
May 2, 2025 at 7:25 PM
The face of County Durham’s politics has been reformed.
Analysis, interviews and comment on a historic day in the region’s politics.
All in tomorrow’s Northern Echo.
#TomorrowsPapersToday
Analysis, interviews and comment on a historic day in the region’s politics.
All in tomorrow’s Northern Echo.
#TomorrowsPapersToday
Reform won a historic election in Durham.
But what comes next?
Analysis and key questions for #ReformUK (and others) after the party stormed to victory, taking control of Durham County Council. 👇
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513549...
But what comes next?
Analysis and key questions for #ReformUK (and others) after the party stormed to victory, taking control of Durham County Council. 👇
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513549...
What happens now for Durham County Council after Reform's historic victory?
Reform UK swept to victory in the 2025 local election in Durham, winning 65 seats and taking control of Durham County Council.
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk
May 2, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Reform won a historic election in Durham.
But what comes next?
Analysis and key questions for #ReformUK (and others) after the party stormed to victory, taking control of Durham County Council. 👇
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513549...
But what comes next?
Analysis and key questions for #ReformUK (and others) after the party stormed to victory, taking control of Durham County Council. 👇
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513549...
FULL RESULTS of Durham County Council election.
➡️ REFORM - 65
🟠 LIB DEM - 14
⚪️ INDEPENDENT - 12
🌹 LABOUR - 4
🟢 GREEN - 2
🔵 CONSERVATIVE - 1
Reform GAIN from No Overall Control.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
➡️ REFORM - 65
🟠 LIB DEM - 14
⚪️ INDEPENDENT - 12
🌹 LABOUR - 4
🟢 GREEN - 2
🔵 CONSERVATIVE - 1
Reform GAIN from No Overall Control.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
May 2, 2025 at 2:48 PM
FULL RESULTS of Durham County Council election.
➡️ REFORM - 65
🟠 LIB DEM - 14
⚪️ INDEPENDENT - 12
🌹 LABOUR - 4
🟢 GREEN - 2
🔵 CONSERVATIVE - 1
Reform GAIN from No Overall Control.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
➡️ REFORM - 65
🟠 LIB DEM - 14
⚪️ INDEPENDENT - 12
🌹 LABOUR - 4
🟢 GREEN - 2
🔵 CONSERVATIVE - 1
Reform GAIN from No Overall Control.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
This is turning out to be a historic day in Durham as Reform only needs 19 seats for a majority.
They are picking up seats at the expense of Labour, Lib Dems and Tories. Green Party has doubled its number of councillors.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
They are picking up seats at the expense of Labour, Lib Dems and Tories. Green Party has doubled its number of councillors.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
May 2, 2025 at 11:59 AM
This is turning out to be a historic day in Durham as Reform only needs 19 seats for a majority.
They are picking up seats at the expense of Labour, Lib Dems and Tories. Green Party has doubled its number of councillors.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
They are picking up seats at the expense of Labour, Lib Dems and Tories. Green Party has doubled its number of councillors.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
Here's how Durham County Council looks after the first ward's declaration.
Reform GAIN Pittington and Sherburn from Labour.
There are only 98 seats on DCC now after boundary changes.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
Reform GAIN Pittington and Sherburn from Labour.
There are only 98 seats on DCC now after boundary changes.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
May 2, 2025 at 10:10 AM
Here's how Durham County Council looks after the first ward's declaration.
Reform GAIN Pittington and Sherburn from Labour.
There are only 98 seats on DCC now after boundary changes.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
Reform GAIN Pittington and Sherburn from Labour.
There are only 98 seats on DCC now after boundary changes.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
The count is also underway in Spennymoor where Bill Edgar is stationed, bringing all the latest results in the race for control of Durham County Council.
The council has been ran by a Lib Dem/Conservative/Indy/Green coalition since 2021.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
The council has been ran by a Lib Dem/Conservative/Indy/Green coalition since 2021.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
May 2, 2025 at 9:20 AM
The count is also underway in Spennymoor where Bill Edgar is stationed, bringing all the latest results in the race for control of Durham County Council.
The council has been ran by a Lib Dem/Conservative/Indy/Green coalition since 2021.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
The council has been ran by a Lib Dem/Conservative/Indy/Green coalition since 2021.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
🥀Another Labour candidate in County Durham texts "We're fucked, it's Reform everywhere".
A possible tsunami could be about to change the face of Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections | #Reform | #Labour
A possible tsunami could be about to change the face of Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections | #Reform | #Labour
May 2, 2025 at 9:12 AM
🥀Another Labour candidate in County Durham texts "We're fucked, it's Reform everywhere".
A possible tsunami could be about to change the face of Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections | #Reform | #Labour
A possible tsunami could be about to change the face of Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections | #Reform | #Labour
🗳️Counting is underway in Consett, with candidates of all parties in attendance.
@danielhordon.bsky.social is on the ground and will bring you all the latest twists and turns on what could well be a major day for Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
@danielhordon.bsky.social is on the ground and will bring you all the latest twists and turns on what could well be a major day for Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
May 2, 2025 at 9:10 AM
🗳️Counting is underway in Consett, with candidates of all parties in attendance.
@danielhordon.bsky.social is on the ground and will bring you all the latest twists and turns on what could well be a major day for Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
@danielhordon.bsky.social is on the ground and will bring you all the latest twists and turns on what could well be a major day for Durham politics.
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
Labour insiders braced for a possible ‘wipeout’ in Durham.
A candidate texts, “Looking like we are on course to return maybe four councillors.”
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
A candidate texts, “Looking like we are on course to return maybe four councillors.”
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
May 2, 2025 at 7:07 AM
Labour insiders braced for a possible ‘wipeout’ in Durham.
A candidate texts, “Looking like we are on course to return maybe four councillors.”
#CountyDurhamLocalElections
A candidate texts, “Looking like we are on course to return maybe four councillors.”
#CountyDurhamLocalElections