Nigel Farage took centre stage on Saturday at a Reform UK rally held in County Durham.

By Alice Scarsi, Deputy World News Editor, Jon King, News Reporter

17:03, Sat, Feb 1, 2025 | UPDATED: 17:11, Sat, Feb 1, 2025

Nigel Farage on stage

Nigel Farage announced his party has gained two more councillors on Saturday (Image: REFORM UK)

Nigel Farage announced two major defections for Reform UK as he took centre stage at a County Durham Conference.

The Clacton MP leader surprised the crowd of party members as he announced Reform UK was about to welcome two new councillors.

Mr Farage revealed Cathy Hunt, who had been an independent councillor representing Woodhouse Close on Durham County Council, had joined Reform UK ahead of local elections in May.

Ms Hunt, a single mum from the market town of Crook, told conference attendees: "We're not putting up with Labour and we're not putting up with the Conservatives anymore."

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: /news
Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow our social media accounts here on facebook.com/DailyExpress and @daily_express