The Liberal Democrats have unanimously chosen sitting county councillors Richard Ormerod & David Freeman as their candidates for Elvet & Gilesgate Division in the DCC elections on May 6.

Cllr Richard Ormerod

Cllr Richard Ormerod has been your County Councillor since 2013 and has served on the newly formed Durham City Parish Council since 2018. His exemplary record of positive service to our community has won recognition throughout the City.

A family man who grew up in Lancashire, Richard has lived in Durham since 1996. He is married to Amanda and they have two children, Isabel and James, both of whom attend Durham Johnston School. He is employed as a researcher for another north-east council but in the past has worked in the telecommunications, printing and music industries. He is a vegan and supports all law-abiding animal welfare groups. Richard attends St Giles Church and is a governor at St Oswald’s CE Aided Primary School (the only state school in the ward) where he chairs the Admissions Committee.

In partnership with Councillor David Freeman, Richard has worked hard to bring improvements to our area, especially to the play areas and the historic city centre. He is keen to protect our historic city, whilst ensuring that it has a vibrant future, most particularly by assisting local small businesses wherever possible.

Cllr David Freeman

I have lived in Durham all my life and work in the city centre as a Civil Servant at HM Passport Office, where I am also a trade union representative. In the past I worked in local government in Durham and also served in the Territorial Army with the Light Infantry based at Gilesgate Barracks.

I am presently a trustee of the Bow Trust which runs the Durham Museum in St Mary le Bow in The Bailey, and of a local charity which helps young people in the Durham City area gain skills and educational opportunities. I have been the area’s County Councillor for 16 years and have also been a Parish Councillor on the Liberal Democrat-run City of Durham Parish Council since it was set up 3 years ago.

During that time I have worked with our local communities and residents’ associations to improve our green spaces, play areas, streets and city centre to make Durham a better place to live. I have never shied away from challenging Labour’s bosses at County Hall on the poor decisions it makes in relation to our city.

I am very involved in planning issues, trying to get better developments and opposing the many poor applications. I have campaigned for years for stronger planning policies to protect our city. There is much more to do to make Durham City better. Our new parish council has certainly helped in becoming a strong voice for Durham City but we also need councillors at County Hall who will hold it to account.

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