Reform UK, despite campaigning on a free speech, has restricted press access in councils it controls. In Nottinghamshire, the Reform-led council banned local outlets, including Nottinghamshire Live, from questioning the leader and councillors, citing their inability to respond. Critics, including the paper’s editor, question the party’s commitment to transparency, highlighting a contradiction between Reform’s free speech rhetoric and its actions. Nationally, concerns grow over the party’s disregard for independent local journalism, with restrictions seen as suppressing scrutiny and public accountability, undermining Reform’s manifesto promises to combat political bias and defend free expression in public institutions.
RUK councils culture wars
Banning flags
- After taking control of 10 councils in May 2025, RUK announced they would fly St George’s and union flags and ban Ukrainian flags
- Leicester: bans on flying Pride and Ukrainian flags.
- Warwickshire County Council removed Ukrainian flags.
- Kent County Council removed Pride and Ukrainian flags
Reform councils are focusing on other culture-war battles:
- West Northamptonshire: scrapping net-zero targets despite taking green funding.
- The party pushes anti-renewable policies that would keep energy bills high and benefit fossil-fuel interests.
- Nottinghamshire’s Reform leadership plans to spend £75,000 on new flag installations, despite claiming to cut waste.
- Across councils, Reform is spending time on flags and culture-war debates instead of core public-service issues.
- Kent – Reform-run council accused of wasting funds on flags and pointless markings while closing care homes.
- Durham County Council has cut funding to Pride and Lumiere festivals which have harmed local businesses and revenue.
STOP REFORM UK 