Reform UK’s London council has come under fire from Zack Polanski for ditching flying the Pride flag.
The Green Party leader dismissed the move by Havering council, won by Nigel Farage’s party at the May 7 elections, as “Trumpian nonsense”.
The borough has in the past held a Pride flag ceremony, which was due to take place on June 5, to mark the start of Pride Month.
But the new Reform administration has shelved the plan.
Councillor Keith Prince, Leader of Havering Council, said: "The Council Administration is updating policies in line with Reform UK national policies on flag flying which sets out that the only flags flown on public buildings are the Union Flag, the St. George’s Cross, and the Havering Council flag.
London Assembly member Cllr Prince added: “The Union Flag represents our country and as such is inclusive of all our residents.
“The only other events we will be flying flags for will be to recognise our heroes like the armed forces and veterans who do so much for our country."
But the stance sparked a backlash.
Mr Polanski posted on X: “More Trumpian nonsense from Reform.
“They like to think of themselves as the voice of Britain, but the truth is that they can't tolerate so many of the things that make this country great.”
Stephanie Nunn, diversity and equality councillor for Havering Aligned Residents’ Association, said: “We represent residents, businesses and staff, we are inclusive and wish to show support for all groups that have not been treated equally or fairly in the past and stop this pattern of behaviour continuing.”
Barry Mugglestone, Havering Aligned Residents' Associations councillor for Elm Park, added: “I am disappointed that the Reform Administration at Havering Council have refused to fly the Pride Flag, when openly saying they support our Armed Forces community.
“We need to remember that now lesbian, gay, bisexual personnel are fully integrated and welcome to serve openly in the UK Armed Forces.”
A spokesperson for LGBTQ+ charity the Kaleidoscope Trust, told the Havering Daily: “LGBTQ+ visibility isn’t just about the photo opportunity and a pastry after packing away the flags.
“At Kaleidoscope we strive to create inclusive and creative LGBTQ+ spaces throughout the year through workshops and an independent film festival.
“The lack of a Pride flag at the Town Hall is devastating, but it will not erase the LGBTQ+ community in Havering.”
Havering, the only Reform council in London, is facing scrutiny after Mr Farage suggested that his party’s success at the May local elections, in which it won 1,454 council seats, showed it was heading for Government.
It has already been hit with one controversy, over the appointment of the Mayor’s consort who was previously sacked as a police officer after failing a drugs test.
The council has also rebuffed the idea of a referendum, mooted by Reform ahead of the local elections, on Havering splintering away from London.
