In a heartfelt decision reflecting his devotion to family, Tony Hewitt, a town councillor from Ferryhill, County Durham, resigned from his position to enable his wife, Rita, to participate in an annual flower competition, specifically the ‘Ferryhill in Bloom’ event. Having lived in this quaint town for seven years, the Hewitts have developed a passion for entering this esteemed competition and take great pride in their gardening skills.
Tony Hewitt was appointed to the Ferryhill Town Council on May 1, 2025, as a representative of Reform UK. However, it became clear soon after his appointment that Rita would not be able to compete this year, prompting Tony to reassess his priorities. The couple has invested considerable effort into their garden, and Rita, in particular, has worked diligently throughout the year to cultivate beautiful plants in their home garden. Having attended just one council meeting, Tony ultimately decided to step down on June 26, 2025. He expressed that his wife’s happiness and passion for gardening far outweighed the brief tenure he had in council office.
Despite having been challenged by some regarding his decision to resign, Tony stood firm, stating, “She loves her garden.” This recognition of Rita’s hard work and commitment to her gardening pursuits highlights the supportive dynamics within their marriage. They have been involved in the ‘Ferryhill in Bloom’ competition for several years, achieving commendable results in the past. Last year, they secured first place in the front garden category, alongside a second-place finish for their back garden.
Tony, aged 65, initially joined the town council with the intention of serving his community. This involved stepping in at a time when there were not enough candidates for an election, making his appointment by default. As a result, the council was left with only seven active councillors out of the possible seventeen. His involvement in the residents’ association and other community initiatives exemplifies his desire to contribute positively to Ferryhill.
As fate would have it, Rita, who is 77 years old, was informed that she could not enter the competition this year due to regulations surrounding participants. Recognizing the significance of this annual event to his wife, Tony felt compelled to prioritize her interests. He noted that if a councillor or their spouse were to win the event, it could potentially raise questions about impartiality. This was yet another consideration that led to his decision to resign.
As the community prepares for the announcement of the ‘Ferryhill in Bloom’ results in September, the couple looks forward to the possibility of participating in the event once again, albeit without the complications stemming from Tony’s brief political appointment. The competition serves not only as a showcase of horticultural talent but also brings together the spirit of community and neighborly competition, which the Hewitts cherish deeply.
Tony’s resignation is overshadowed by the essence of family values and the importance of supporting one’s partner in their hobbies and passions. As the couple embarks on this next chapter, they are steadfast in their commitment to the local floral community, and Tony’s sacrifice reiterates that sometimes, devotion to family transcends public duty, thereby enriching familial bonds in profound and meaningful ways. The ‘Ferryhill in Bloom’ competition continues to foster community spirit, and with Tony’s backing, Rita is sure to bring her garden’s beauty to life in this year’s event again.
