Leicestershire County Council’s Reform administration has eliminated the council’s flag-flying policy in its inaugural cabinet meeting.
This decision, approved Thursday, immediately discontinued a pre-approved schedule for flag displays outside County Hall in Glenfield.
The cancelled schedule included flags for LGBTQ+ Pride Month, Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller History Month, and Windrush Day.
Council leader Dan Harrison stated the revised protocol prioritizes “celebrating British values that unite us all.”
This change has prompted concern among several council staff groups, given that Reform holds a minority administration following May’s local elections.
Harrison described the eight-minute cabinet meeting, solely focused on the flag policy, as “historic.”
He explained: “People will rightly ask why are we changing this protocol? It’s crucial to recognize the significance of national identity, heritage, culture, and to celebrate British values that unite us.”
“This new protocol enables us to achieve this.”
Under the new regulations, the Union Jack and the council flag will permanently fly on two of the three flagpoles outside County Hall.
The St George’s flag will occupy the third, unless replaced by the Lord Lieutenant’s flag during their presence.
A fourth flagpole within County Hall’s quadrangle may be used for events like Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Day, and Armistice Day.
Decisions regarding other flags will be delegated to council chief executive John Sinnott, following discussion with the leader.
Representatives from LGBTQ+, disabled, and BAME staff groups jointly expressed their lack of consultation regarding the policy shift in a letter.
“The limited time between notification and the meeting hampered our ability to adequately represent the voices of our staff networks,” their statement read.
Representing over 400 council staff, they urged the administration to consider the impact on employee morale.
Their letter further stated: “We recommend cabinet members reflect on the purpose of flag-flying as a local authority. It’s a demonstration of the Public Sector Equality Duty—our legal obligation to foster positive relations between individuals with protected characteristics and those without.”
Conservative group leader Deborah Taylor deemed the meeting “very strange” and emphasized the need to listen to staff groups representing numerous employees.
She added: “Committed Leicestershire County Council staff haven’t had their voices heard, and I find that unacceptable.”
Harrison confirmed he will meet with staff representatives to discuss the revised protocol.
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