Paul Howell (left) and Scott Durham confounded the polls and were elected Conservative County Councillors.

Paul was brought up on the town and educated at Sugar Hill and then The Avenue. His father was Station Officer at the fire station before being promoted which led to the family moving to Darlington. Paul worked for local manufacturing companies qualifying as an Accountant with an MBA from Durham University. He subsequently became a Financial Director spending a number of years as operations director where he had responsibility for
Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution.

He retired last year and looked to increasing his involvement in community work. He plays golf and recently got a private pilots licence. He has been married for over 30 years and has a 24 year old daughter.

Scott is also an accountant with experience in public transport, clothing manufacture and Waste Management/Haulage. He is currently the Financial Controller for Emerald Biogas on Aycliffe Business Park. Having started from the ground up I believe in apprenticeships and mentoring plays a key part in helping young people achieve their goals in life.

Scott is the Father of toddler twins, and values family life. He is a keen Liverpool football fan and watches Darlington
home and away.