Latest news with #Reform-controlled
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Farage is a snake-oil salesman': The unions left reeling by Reform's working-class surge
When Unite, Labour's biggest union backer, ran a private poll of its members before last year's general election, the results were eye-opening. Although Labour led, union chiefs were alarmed to discover growing support for Nigel Farage's Reform. 'People vote against things that are in their own interest – it's a trick, and it's a clever trick, of the populist Right,' argues a senior Unite insider, describing it as an example of 'very wealthy people plugging into the zeitgeist of workers'. They add: 'Is Reform a friend to workers? No.' While Unite sought to keep the poll results private, it was an early sign that something was shifting among its membership. Reform's popularity was crystallised last week when it gained more than 600 local council seats, handing power to a party that rejects workers' rights reforms and is pushing for a Doge-style crackdown on waste. Given the party's bold ambitions, union bosses are unsurprisingly rattled. 'We have anecdotal evidence of people leaving unions and joining Reform instead,' claims one party insider. Farage, a former City trader, has spent months courting voters who were traditionally on the Left, notably using Reform's local election launch rally at JCB earlier this year to declare that he was 'on the side of working people'. He reiterated that message in a working men's club in Durham a month later. Reform, he said, was now 'the party of working people' and was parking its 'tanks' on Labour's lawn in Red Wall areas. However, union bosses believe it is a message that masks his true anti-worker sentiment. Christina McAnea, Unison's chief, last week urged staff at Reform-controlled councils to join the UK's biggest union in order to protect themselves from Farage's planned war on waste. Specifically, this was in response to the Reform's leader's plan to replicate Elon Musk's controversial cost-cutting department in the US. In a sign of what's to come, Farage has argued that some council workers should seek 'alternative careers very, very quickly'. Since Reform's triumph in the local elections, the party has submitted 3,000 Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to root out examples of waste in councils, specifically targeting diversity, climate change and 'nanny-state' initiatives. However, as well as vowing to slash jobs in these areas, Farage has also opposed the incoming Employment Rights Bill, which is set to hand unions greater powers, and pledged to crack down on home working. All of which has put Reform on a collision course with union activists on the Left. Yet even this has not dampened Reform's popularity among workers, many of whom have been won over after losing faith in mainstream politics. Farage's appearance at British Steel's Scunthorpe steelworks last month only strengthened this support, as he threw his weight behind attempts to save the plant. Despite capturing the headlines and drawing local attention, one leading union figure said Farage's appearance left most members 'horrified'. Even so, there's a growing concern in senior union circles that the workers whom they believe are under threat from Reform's politics are also being lured away. As a result, union chiefs are creating a game plan to tackle both Farage and their own members. 'Farage is the ultimate snake-oil salesman,' Ms McAnea argued last week, days after she urged council workers to sign up to protect themselves from planned cuts. Tackling Reform's rise was a major focus at a recent lunch hosted by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, which represents almost 200,000 civil servants. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) has also been holding political strategy meetings and promoting clips on social media of workers asking why Farage wants them to lose their jobs. Paul Nowak, the head of the TUC, is one of many leading the fight against Farage. 'Farage is a political fraud – he cosplays as a working-class champion but he's on the side of billionaires and bad bosses,' he says. 'Let's be clear. Farage doesn't give a damn about British industry or British workers. If he did, he wouldn't have hit the campaign trail for Donald Trump. 'And he wouldn't have voted against the Employment Rights Bill, which will ban exploitative zero-hours contracts and end 'fire and rehire' [practices], at every stage in Parliament. 'Farage and Reform aren't on the side of working people – they'll jump on any bandwagon they can to exploit division.' His concerns echo the views of those across the union movement, where bosses fear that Reform's threats to workers' rights are being overlooked by disillusioned employees desperate for change. Gawain Little, the general secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions, is another union chief who believes the party merely claims 'to be the friend of workers to get votes', reiterating how Farage has opposed the Government's flagship workers' rights reforms. 'I would expect nothing else from a privately educated millionaire,' he adds. In response, a Reform UK spokesman said that 'instead of attacking us with smears', unions should 'try and understand why so many of their members are supporting us'. Indeed, even highly critical union leaders can't deny that Reform is gaining ground, with many saying it should serve as a much-needed wake-up call for Labour. 'The anger that has driven many working people to vote Reform is real and we have every right to be angry,' says Little. 'For decades, we have seen falling living standards, cuts to public services and the break-up of our communities. 'It is up to this Labour Government to offer an alternative that puts money in the pockets of working people. 'If Labour fail to deliver for working people, [Reform] will reap the rewards at the ballot box, and fakers like Farage will be the beneficiaries.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Councils hiding DEI roles behind different titles to avoid scrutiny from taxpayers
Over the weekend Nigel Farage, buoyed on his party's success in the local elections, delivered a rather blunt message to those working in Reform-controlled councils, 'if you are a DEI officer I suggest you look for another job'. Given that local authorities spent almost £23 million in 2022/23 on diversity, equality and inclusion roles - nearly twice the £12 million spent in 2020/21 - according to research carried out by the TaxPayers' Alliance, it isn't difficult to see how the proposal might seem attractive to large swathes of voters facing council tax hikes across the country. Dame Andrea Jenkyns, Reform's new Mayor for Lincolnshire, also declared her own crusade against DEI officials at Lincolnshire County Council, which is now under her party's control. The former Conservative MP and education minister in the Boris Johnson government – who was accused during the election campaign of being parachuted into her Lincolnshire constituency all the way from Yorkshire – has since been ridiculed in the media where 'Tory sources' were quoted as saying, '[s]omeone who lives in Lincolnshire would know that there aren't any DEI roles going in Lincolnshire Council.' It was also reported that there are no 'diversity officers' in Northamptonshire either, where Reform won 39 of the 66 seats, with the Conservatives in second place winning 13 seats and Labour in fourth winning four. Reform's response has been to claim that DEI officers are being given different titles to hide their existence from irate voters and campaign groups. Could that be the case? It seemed worth investigating. Lincolnshire County Council is currently seeking to recruit a Community Development Officer 'at £24,206 FTE per annum plus £480 per annum homeworking allowance', whose role would be to foster 'trust and collaboration between communities, organisations, and the Local Authority' and ensure 'that community needs are identified and effectively addressed'. They would work 'to provide continued support and resources for community initiatives' and '[e]nsure that all voices are heard, which promotes inclusivity and ensures that diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making.' The officers would also be required to '[p]roduce robust outreach plans to increase community participation and coproduction'. Back in March, the council had advertised for two other Community Development Officers with the same job description and same salary. It is absurd to class these as anything but DEI roles. Lincolnshire has a 96 per cent white population, according to data from 2021. How many taxpayer-funded roles does the Council need to build trust 'between communities', 'promote inclusivity and ensure 'diverse perspectives are considered in decision-making'? Given that the job description expressly states that the council would 'particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups', the perspectives being sought to be considered in decision-making seems to me to be of a very particular worldview, without much room for challenge. And what about Northamptonshire? In West Northamptonshire, where Reform won 42 of a possible 76 seats, a role of a Community Cohesion Officer was advertised back in January for an annual salary of up to £36,163. The Officer would work 'alongside another Community Cohesion Officer [presumably on the same salary], who will report to the Connected Communities Coordinator within the Community Engagement & Resettlement Team.' Here is the job description - I feel a large section of it is worth quoting in its entirety: 'These positions serve as a vital link between diverse communities, promoting social inclusion, harmony, and understanding within localities. The role encompasses a range of responsibilities, including organising events that celebrate cultural diversity, facilitating dialogue between different groups to address potential tensions or conflicts, and collaborating with local organisations and partners to implement initiatives that foster cohesion and integration. 'The successful candidates will act as advocates for marginalised or minority groups, working to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed within the broader community framework.' The Officers will also be required to 'lead on engagement with voluntary sector partners to assess gaps in service provision in relation to refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants as well as other seldom heard groups within communities', while supporting 'the development of Strategic Equality Plans ensuring an integrated approach to embedding community cohesion work across the local authority.' Perhaps the most problematic requirement of the job is this: the duty to '[a]ctively challenge and seek to eliminate any directly or indirectly discriminatory practice or behaviours.' It assumes that discriminatory practices and behaviours exist without offering any evidence for the assumption. The council has even produced a video, 'Introduction to our Workforce Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Strategy', which boasts of diversity, equality, and inclusion being 'woven into the fabric of West Northamptonshire Council'. It is therefore undeniable that both Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire councils are spending considerable amounts of taxpayers' money on their DEI projects and roles. The fact that they have apparently chosen to do away with the controversial terms but not the functions is a sad testament to the contempt with which our political establishment – along with sections of the media – seek to treat the general public. Please share share examples of public spending in your personal and professional lives which you consider to be a waste of taxpayers' money. You can email us your stories – either in writing or as voice notes – at wastewatch@ Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Reform clarifies flag policy after red rose row
Reform UK has been forced to clarify that it would continue to fly county standards from council buildings after a row over the flying of Lancashire's red rose flag. Reform chairman Zia Yusuf had earlier announced that "Reform-controlled English councils will move at speed to resolve that the only flags permitted to be flown on or in its buildings will be the Union Jack and St George's flag". In response, Labour MP for Blackpool South, Chris Webb, said Reform was off to "a great start" by "banning" the Lancashire rose. As of Friday, Reform controls Lancashire County Council. A Reform spokesman later said: "Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George's flag and county flags." "Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history," they added. Lancashire County Council told the BBC the red rose flag would continue to be flown outside its buildings. Reform took control of 10 local authorities in England at last week's local elections, including Lancashire, Durham and Staffordshire. Other Labour and Conservative MPs had also criticised the idea that county flags would not be allowed to fly. Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, Dr Luke Evans, asked whether it meant "Leicestershire County Council would not be able to fly the Leicestershire county flag". The Tories lost control of Leicestershire County Council, with Reform now the largest party but falling short of an overall majority. Meanwhile, Labour MP Mike Tapp accused Reform of banning the Ukrainian flag from being flown, and called on the party to reverse the decision. Mr Tapp, who has represented Dover and Deal since last July, said: "As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants." Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230. Reform UK take control of Lancashire County Council Huge swings see Reform gains in local elections while Lib Dems take control of three councils Bruised Tories and Labour left working out how to tackle Reform Lancashire County Council
Sky News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Reform pledges to ban all flags except Union Jack, St George's Cross and county flags on public buildings
A row has erupted after Reform UK pledged to ban local authorities from flying any flags aside from the Union Jack or the St George's Cross in councils they control. In last week's local elections, Reform UK gained control of 10 councils, two mayoralties and won more than 500 council seats. And after saying last week they want to end all diversity and equality hire roles, another policy was announced this morning by party chairman Zia Yusuf. He said on social media that Reform-controlled councils will move "at speed" to ensure the only flag that will be flown on public authority buildings "will be the Union Jack and the St George's flag". He added: "No other flags will be permitted to be flown on flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls." The announcement quickly drew criticism from across the political divide - including from Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Labour MPs, including Dover and Deal's Mike Tapp, said this would stop councils flying the Ukrainian flag. Mr Tapp said: "Reform are to ban the flying of Ukrainian flags from public buildings. A gesture of solidarity we see across the whole country." He then branded the party: "Putin's puppets." This is an attack line often used by the prime minister in Prime Minister's Questions, with Sir Keir Starmer accusing Nigel Farage of "fawning" over the Russian leader. During last year's election campaign, the Reform leader reiterated his belief that the West and NATO had "provoked" Russia's invasion of Ukraine - though said it was "of course" Vladimir Putin's "fault". In 2014, he said Mr Putin was the statesman he most admired. 1:50 Richard Tice, Reform's deputy leader, proceeded to mock Mr Tapp on social media, replying with a series of water drop emojis and saying "drip, drip, drip" - adding: "Oh, it's the Tapp again". However, the loudest criticism came from the Conservative ranks. Councillors and MPs attacked Reform's policy for potentially stopping regional flags like that of Kent or Yorkshire from being flown. A Reform spokesperson said: "Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George's Flag and County flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history." It is understood that flags with "national heritage" will also be allowed. Among those criticising Reform was former Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat, whose constituency is in Kent. He said: "The White Horse has been the symbol of Kent for almost two thousand years. "The first king of Kent, Hengest, is said to have used the flag as he and his brother, Horsa, conquered their new kingdom. "Denying our flag is denying our history." Dr Luke Evans, the Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, asked on social media if Reform would allow the Leicestershire county flag to fly. Similar comments were made by Tory councillors on social media, as well as some Liberal Democrats. The war of words comes after the Conservatives and Labour both suffered heavily at the hands of Reform in last week's local elections, as well as the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. As well as flags belonging to other countries, the measure will also prevent councils controlled by Reform from flying flags associated with movements, causes or anything else - for example the Pride flag. A Reform source said: "The Tories seem more upset about Reform councils flying the union flag than their councils flying the trans flag. It sums up the state of the Tory party, the sooner they're consigned to the dustbin of history, the better."
Sky News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Sky News
Reform pledges to ban all flags except Union Jack and St George's Cross on public buildings
A row has erupted after Reform UK pledged to ban local authorities from flying any flags aside from the Union Jack or the St George's Cross in councils they control. In last week's local elections, Reform UK gained control of 10 councils, two mayoralties and won more than 500 council seats. And after saying last week they want to end all diversity and equality hire roles, another policy was announced this morning by party chairman Zia Yusuf. He said on social media that Reform-controlled councils will move "at speed" to ensure the only flag that will be flown on public authority buildings "will be the Union Jack and the St George's flag". He added: "No other flags will be permitted to be flown on flag-poles, balconies, reception desks or council-chamber walls." The announcement quickly drew criticism from across the political divide - including from Labour, Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. Labour MPs, including Dover and Deal's Mike Tapp, said this would stop councils flying the Ukrainian flag. Mr Tapp said: "Reform are to ban the flying of Ukrainian flags from public buildings. A gesture of solidarity we see across the whole country." He then branded the party: "Putin's puppets." This is an attack line often used by the prime minister in Prime Minister's Questions, with Sir Keir Starmer accusing Nigel Farage of "fawning" over the Russian leader. During last year's election campaign, the Reform leader reiterated his belief that the West and NATO had "provoked" Russia's invasion of Ukraine - though said it was "of course" Vladimir Putin's "fault". In 2014, he said Mr Putin was the statesman he most admired. 1:50 Richard Tice, Reform's deputy leader, proceeded to mock Mr Tapp on social media, replying with a series of water drop emojis and saying "drip, drip, drip" - adding: "Oh, it's the Tapp again". However, the loudest criticism came from the Conservative ranks. Councillors and MPs attacked Reform's policy for potentially stopping regional flags like that of Kent or Yorkshire from being flown. A Reform spokesperson said: "Reform UK will proudly fly the Union Jack, St George's Flag and County flags. Unlike the Tories and Labour, we are proud of our country and history." It is understood that flags with "national heritage" will also be allowed. Among those criticising Reform was former Tory leadership hopeful Tom Tugendhat, whose constituency is in Kent. He said: "The White Horse has been the symbol of Kent for almost two thousand years. "The first king of Kent, Hengest, is said to have used the flag as he and his brother, Horsa, conquered their new kingdom. "Denying our flag is denying our history." Dr Luke Evans, the Conservative MP for Hinckley and Bosworth, asked on social media if Reform would allow the Leicestershire county flag to fly. Similar comments were made by Tory councillors on social media, as well as some Liberal Democrats. The war of words comes after the Conservatives and Labour both suffered heavily at the hands of Reform in last week's local elections, as well as the Runcorn and Helsby by-election. As well as flags belonging to other countries, the measure will also prevent councils controlled by Reform from flying flags associated with movements, causes or anything else - for example the Pride flag. A Reform source said: "The Tories seem more upset about Reform councils flying the union flag than their councils flying the trans flag. It sums up the state of the Tory party, the sooner they're consigned to the dustbin of history, the better."
