Bishop Auckland Labour Branch

28/08/2026

Labour have gained Billinge & Seneley Green in St Helens (Merseyside) in today’s by‑election, taking the seat from Reform UK.
It’s a useful result for us here in the North East — County Durham, Teesdale, , Shildon and the wider region — because St Helens has been one of Reform UK’s strongest council areas nationally. They won all three seats in this ward back in May. Today’s gain shows a clear shift back towards Labour, even in places where Reform had recently broken through.
For anyone following politics across the North East, it’s a reminder that local by‑elections can move quickly, and that Reform’s vote isn’t fixed even in areas where they’ve surged. Interesting that they are close to losing control here. Just needs a few more clear minded councillors to pull away from the extremists.

28/07/2026

The Co-op helped shape daily life across the area. It provided goods, jobs, homes, services, and a sense that local people could improve their own lives by working together.

The old Co-op / Beales building is not just a problem to be solved. It is a reminder of what Bishop Auckland and the surrounding communities once achieved. It was built by people who believed in fairness, shared ownership, and local pride.

09/07/2026

29/06/2026

🗣 We Want to Hear From You

Bishop Auckland Town Council is asking residents and local organisations to share their views on its draft strategies for 2026–2031.

These plans will help shape the Council’s priorities and guide future projects and services across the town.

Whether you’re interested in the environment, community events, allotments, communication or the future development of local services, your feedback is important.

This consultation is an opportunity for everyone in Bishop Auckland to have their say before the final strategies are adopted.

📝 Take part in the consultation here 👉 https://bishopauckland-tc.gov.uk/bishop-auckland-town-council-launches-consultation-on-future-strategies-for-the-town-2026/

📅 Consultation closes August 2026.

21/06/2026

Cllr Alison Gray has called for an urgent meeting to discuss 'dangerous' roads in Lanchester and Burnhope, saying it is 'only a…

18/06/2026

03/06/2026

30/05/2026

👀 The questions are simple.

The silence is getting awkward.

Over to you, Nigel Farage

29/05/2026

Best wishes Michael. Make it a good year!

📢 Mayor Announcement for Bishop Auckland.

Bishop Auckland Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Councillor Michael Siddle as the Municipal Mayor of Bishop Auckland for the 2026–2027 civic year. 🎉

Councillor Siddle was formally elected at the Council’s Annual Meeting held on 26th May 2026, taking on the role of first citizen of the town and a key ambassador for the local community. 👤

In accepting the role, Councillor Michael Siddle said:
“It is a great honour to serve as 19th Mayor of Bishop Auckland. I am proud to represent our town for a second term as Mayor. I look forward to working with residents, community groups, local organisations and businesses to celebrate what makes Bishop Auckland such a special place.”

As Mayor, Councillor Siddle will undertake a wide range of civic duties, including:

🌟 Representing the Council at official events and community functions
🌟 Supporting and promoting local initiatives and voluntary organisations
🌟 Acting as a figurehead for civic pride and unity across the town

The Mayor will be supported by Councillor Mike Harker, who has been appointed as Deputy Mayor for the 2026-27 year. In addition to his role as Mayor, Councillor Siddle will continue to Chair the Allotment and Environment Committee, and the Greener Together Working Group of the Council. 🌱

Throughout the year, the Mayor will attend and host a number of civic engagements and community events, helping to strengthen connections across Bishop Auckland and highlight the achievements of local people. 🤝

Residents and organisations who wish to invite the Mayor to attend an event can find further information on the Mayor’s page on the Town Council website, or by emailing us at [email protected] 📧

22/05/2026

Unison Members: The grant will be open for 24 hours from 12 noon on 27 May 2026 and close at 12 noon on 28 May 2026.

Need help with the cost of kids' uniforms? Apply for a £75 voucher per school-aged child. Applications open 12 noon on 27 May 2026.