Darlington’s new mayor praised the town’s “wonderful” residents after taking over the chains of office.
Councillor Helen Crumbie took over the role from outgoing mayor Sonia Kane at the council’s annual meeting last week.
The Labour member for Bank Top and Lascelles ward thanked her colleagues for electing her to the role between May 2026 and 2027.
“Darlington is a wonderful town, and I am pleased with all the wonderful plans across the council for the forthcoming municipal year,” she said.
Crumbie’s background
Cllr Crumbie moved to Darlington aged 15 after growing up in Hetton-le-Hole, Sunderland. She attended Haughton school before working with disadvantaged children and young offenders at Darlington College.
Now, she is employed by the 700 Club, which involves working with amazing colleagues to help and support people in Darlington. Cllr Crumbie added that she enjoys “being a part of this incredible charitable organisation”.
As well as presiding over full council meetings, Cllr Crumbie will represent the local authority on civic visits and at ceremonial events, while raising funds and awareness for her chosen charities.
Nominating her as mayor, Labour colleague Mandy Porter said: “Cllr Crumbie is a genuine people person. She loves to help people, and she loves to socialise and entertain people. I am sure she will be a great advocate for this borough.”
The Northern Lights Community Choir and St Teresa’s Hospice are among the chosen charities she will support over the course of the year.
Cllr Crumbie said: “As deputies, we attended two of the concerts and we were blown away by their enthusiasm, passion and excellence of the group.
“It was touching to visit St Teresa’s and hear about the dedicated work and support they give.”
Councillor Pauline Culley, Conservative member for Mowden, was appointed deputy mayor for 2026/27.
Meanwhile, Cllr Kane thanked residents after signing out of her mayoral year, which included the bicentenary celebrations of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
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