Unique poll takes County a step closer to

Unitary local government

 

Local elections with a difference took place in County Durham on May 1st 2008, as part of the move to create a single unitary council for the county.

 

A record 404 candidates have been contesting all 63 electoral divisions for a seat on Durham County Council - and ultimately, a place on the county's new unitary authority. Normally, the county council elections return just one member for each electoral division, but this time there will be 126 members - two for each existing electoral division.

 

That is because the successful candidates will serve a dual role for their first eleven months of office. As well as running the existing county council they will also develop and finalise plans for the new-style unitary council.

 

From April 1st, 2009, when the seven existing district councils and the county council will be transformed into one new unitary council, providing both district and county functions, they will become the first fully-fledged members of the new unitary council.

 

The existing 312 district councillors will remain in office until then, when their councils will be dissolved.

 

To view a list of election results click here