The 2023 Darlington Borough Council election took place on 4 May 2023 to elect all 50 members of Darlington Borough Council in County Durham, England. This was at the same time as other local elections across England.
The council was under no overall control prior to the election, being led by a Conservative minority administration. The council remained under no overall control after the election, but Labour overtook the Conservatives to become the largest party. A Labour and Liberal Democrat coalition formed after the election, with Labour group leader Steven Harker being appointed leader of the council at the subsequent annual council meeting on 25 May 2023.
Results Following the results, the council remained with no overall control, but Labour became the largest party.
Ward results The candidates for each ward were named on 13 April 2023.
Bank Top and Lascelles
Brinkburn and Faverdale
Cockerton
College
Eastbourne
Harrowgate Hill
Haughton and Springfield
Heighington and Coniscliffe
Hummersknott
Hurworth
Mowden
North Road
Northgate
Park East
Park West
Pierremont
Red Hall and Lingfield
One of the two Red Hall and Lingfield seats had been vacant prior to the election, following the death in March 2023 of Labour councillor Hilary Lucas.
Sadberge and Middleton St George
Stephenson
Whinfield
Changes 2023–2027
Yvonne Renton (Conservative, Sadberge and Middleton St George) left the party in October 2023 to sit as an independent. Colin Pease (Conservative, Sadberge and Middleton St George) left the party in May 2024 to sit as an independent. James Coe (Liberal Democrats, North Road) left the party in September 2024 to sit as an independent, saying he had become an independent councillor "after challenges with the Liberal Democrat Party". Thomas Robinson (Green Party, Hummersknott) left the party in October 2024 to sit as an independent; the reason for his departure was not disclosed. Amanda Riley (Labour, Red Hall and Lingfield) resigned in October 2025 due to health concerns, triggering a by-election that will be held on 11 December 2025.
By-elections Red Hall and Lingfield
References