The Reform council flag policy is under review after backlash for scrapping scheduled displays of LGBTQ+ Pride and Windrush flags. Leicestershire County Council’s scrutiny commission urged leaders to clarify rules, calling the current plan “too grey.”
During its first cabinet meeting on June 12, Reform ended a pre-approved flag rotation that included commemorative banners for marginalized groups. Now, only the Union Jack, county flag, and St. George’s Cross will fly permanently. A fourth pole’s use remains undefined, prompting demands for transparency.
Conservative councillor Deborah Taylor, who chairs the scrutiny panel, said the Reform council flag policy needs strict guidelines. “It needs to be really clear so there are no grey areas,” she insisted. The commission voted to send the issue back to cabinet within 10 days.
Previously, the fourth flagpole marked events like Armed Forces Day. Reform’s draft policy lets the CEO and council leader approve extra flags but critics say this leaves too much unchecked discretion.
Deputy leader Joseph Boam defended the changes, calling the Union Jack the “most inclusive flag.” He argued it represents all Britons “regardless of sexuality, gender, or race.” Yet, 102 social workers disagreed in a letter, saying removing Pride and Windrush flags signals exclusion.
Boam admitted he hadn’t met with social workers to discuss their concerns. The letter warned scrapping community flags implies marginalized groups “are not welcome.”
The cabinet must revisit the Reform council flag policy soon. Will they define the fourth flagpole’s purpose? Or stick with vague delegation powers? As debates over symbolism rage, the decision could set a precedent for other councils.
For now, the Union Jack flies unchallenged but the fight over what it means to be inclusive is far from over. The Reform council flag policy debate highlights deeper tensions about representation in local government.
For more political updates, visit London Pulse News.
