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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Tomorrow’s Northern Echo - ‘Don’t leave us out of the picture, Andy’. #TomorrowsPapersToday

Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

BREAKING: Two County Durham councillors have been ‘suspended’ by Reform UK. Cllr Andrew Harrison (Seaham) and Cllr Kenny Hope (Delves Lane) were suspended by Nigel Farage’s party on Monday.

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Two County Durham councillors suspended from Reform UK amid investigation

Two Durham County Councillors have been 'suspended' from Reform UK, a party spokesperson said.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 09/02/2026

NEW: Jarrow and Gateshead East MP Kate Osborne no longer has confidence in the PM. It comes as cabinet colleagues rallied round Starmer after public calls for his resignation earlier on Monday.

thenorthernecho.co.uk

North East MP 'no longer has faith' in PM as pressure on Starmer mounts

Jarrow and Gateshead East MP Kate Osborne said she and colleagues 'no longer have faith' in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 27/08/2025

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

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

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.

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 14/08/2025

Reform UK has cut funding and withdrawn support from Durham Pride, reports @thenorthernecho.bsky.social’s Bill Edgar 👇 www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2539133...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Reform cuts funding and withdraws support from Durham Pride event

Reform leaders have cut council funding for County Durham’s Pride event.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

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...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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…

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

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...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

🏳️‍🌈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...

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

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...

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 21/05/2025

Darren Grimes 'hurt' by decision not to invite Reform to Durham Miners’ Gala. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2517865...

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 17/05/2025

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...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 16/05/2025

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...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

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...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 05/05/2025

Reform has backed down from a ‘farcical’ ban on County flags being flown on council buildings in Durham. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2513883...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

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

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

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...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

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.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

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

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

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

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

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

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

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

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

🥀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

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

🗳️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

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

Labour insiders braced for a possible ‘wipeout’ in Durham. A candidate texts, “Looking like we are on course to return maybe four councillors.” #CountyDurhamLocalElections

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

🗳️ Good morning from County Durham, where counting is about to get underway. The story of the day has been a dramatic shift towards Reform - can they replicate their success in Durham? All pointers are suggesting they will. #CountyDurhamLocalElections www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2512814...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

County Durham Local Elections 2025: Latest as vote counting to begin

County Durham residents are heading to the polls to vote in the latest round of local elections.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Oh, and if you see any #DogsAtPollingStations - you know what to do 👇

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Good morning from a sunny County Durham where ALL the council seats are up for grabs on polling day. Follow @thenorthernecho.bsky.social to keep updated in what is sure to be an intriguing battleground. #CountyDurhamLocalElections www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2512887...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Polls open in County Durham ahead of crucial vote

Polls have opened in County Durham in this year's local election, with Reform hoping to make significant gains

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Stay connected to the heart of County Durham for less! Our Flash Sale is ON: get trusted local news for just £5 for 5 months or 40% off an annual subscription. Don’t miss out — subscribe to @thenorthernecho.bsky.social now! 🔗 www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/subscribe/

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 13/04/2025

Tens of thousands attend the annual Bishop Auckland Food Festival, but until this year this did not include me. Here's what I thought of the day and, more importantly, what I ate - including a famous Scotch egg. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2508588...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

What I ate at Bishop Auckland Food Festival - including award-winning scotch egg

I visited Bishop Auckland Food Festival for the first time on Saturday and could not resist the pull of an award-winning scotch egg.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 06/04/2025

Really grateful to referee Huw Ware for this really insightful chat about his career of firsts. Some snips: 🎙️How he ‘owes’ podcast success to Luke Littler 🎯How 11-year-old Huw would react to his career ♥️‘Maturing’ in his own relationship with his sexuality www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/250432...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Darts ref Huw Ware on future North East champions and 'pushback' to coming out

Huw Ware became the first openly gay referee to officiate the World Darts Championship final and spoke before a night of darts in Newcastle.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

Thieves stole £399 gorilla ornament from Darlington Market. 🦍🦍🦍 www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2505744...

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Government’s benefits reforms will ‘hit the North East hard’ it has been warned. Tomorrow’s Northern Echo features the concerns of North East Child Poverty Commission. #TomorrowsPapersToday 👇

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 05/03/2025

Conservative Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen is 'looking forward' to President Trump's state visit despite 'not agreeing on all policy decisions'. Lord Houchen invited Trump to Teesside following his election win in November. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2497934...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Tees Valley Mayor issues update on Trump invite after state visit offer

Conservative mayor Ben Houchen issued an update on his offer of a visit to Teesside for the US President.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Fresh off the back of a visit to Middlesbrough, the King and Queen are returning to the North East in April. King Charles will attend the annual Maundy Service which is being held at Durham Cathedral. #KingCharles | #Royals www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2495281...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

King and Queen to visit Durham in April for special service at Cathedral

The King and Queen are set to visit Durham, where they will take part in the annual Maundy Service at the Cathedral.

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Reposted by Joshua Nichol

Scott Wilson @scottwilsonecho.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

⚽️ Big day for Championship side Durham Women as EuroMillions winners buy 25% stake in club. Durham Uni no longer involved at ownership level. Plans for a new stadium in the pipeline. (By @joshuanichol.bsky.social) Read here...⬇️

thenorthernecho.co.uk

EuroMillions winning couple complete 'significant investment' in Durham Women FC

A EuroMillions winning couple have completed a ‘significant investment’ in Women's Championship side Durham Women FC.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

⚽️EXCLUSIVE: A EuroMillions winning couple have completed a 'significant investment' in #WomensChampionship side Durham Women FC. Patrick and Frances Connolly will join the board of the club sitting 4th in the league. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2492875...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

EuroMillions winning couple complete 'significant investment' in Durham Women FC

A EuroMillions winning couple have completed a ‘significant investment’ in Women's Championship side Durham Women FC.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 09/02/2025

A great scoop from @kayleighbfraser.bsky.social 👇 A County Durham couple who posed as #ReformUK candidates despite failing vetting have been suspended from the party. Now both are linked to racist social media posts. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2491375...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

County Durham couple 'faked' Reform UK candidacy as racist posts emerge online

A Shildon couple who posed as fake Reform UK candidates despite failing vetting have been suspended from the party.

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

It’s #DeadlineDay, so follow our live blog for all the twists & turns. 🔴 #Boro close to Iheanacho deal. 🐈‍⬛ Could #SAFC lose Tommy Watson? ⚫️ Will #NUFC ever be able to sign anyone? @scottwilsonecho.bsky.social & @domshawecho.bsky.social will tell you 👇 www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/249040...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Transfer deadline day LIVE: Newcastle, Middlesbrough & Sunderland

Join for live coverage of Transfer Deadline Day, as we bring you the latest on Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Sunderland

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Joshua Nichol @joshuanichol.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

Hairy Biker Si King has thanked diners for a ‘remarkable’ few weeks since opening his first restaurant in Sunderland. Really grateful for Si’s time today - between running his kitchen and meeting guests, he still made time to chat. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2490374...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Hairy Biker thanks diners for 'remarkable' first month of new North East restaurant

Hairy Biker Si King has thanked diners for a ‘remarkable’ few weeks since opening his first restaurant in Sunderland.

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