Barnsley Reform councillors under investigation over claims they climbed onto roof to remove Pride flag
It has prompted an investigation from the council’s monitoring officer
Two Barnsley councillors are being investigated over allegations that they argued with council staff and entered restricted areas of town hall to remove a flag.
The claims were made by the town’s Liberal Democrat contingent, who have said that the councillors “behaved in a way that staff found abusive and intimidating” after noticing the non-binary Pride flag on town hall.
The pair have not been named.
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Councillor Leyla Nayeri, deputy leader of the Barnsley Liberal Democrats, said: "These are serious allegations involving the treatment of council staff, access to a restricted area and the unauthorised removal of a flag being flown following a democratic decision of full council.
“The matter has been reported to the police, and it is for them to determine whether any criminal offence was committed, or any hate-related element is present.
"Regardless of the outcome of that investigation, the council must examine whether the alleged conduct breached the Members' Code of Conduct and the standards expected of those in public office. Staff must also be protected from any intimidation or retaliation arising from this matter."
According to the Lib Dems, after arguing with front desk staff over the matter, the councillors gained unauthorised access to the building’s roof, removing the flag and replacing it with the St George’s Cross.
In a public statement, they go on to say that the pride flag was “discarded” on the ground and not returned to staff.
During a full council meeting in 2023, representatives passed a motion for the non-binary Pride flag to be flown.
Nevertheless, the council’s existing flag policy is facing controversy, with the newly-elected Reform leadership not flying the Pride flag during Pride month as in previous years.
Despite initially claiming only three flags would be flown over town hall - the St George’s Cross, Union Flag and Barnsley Council flag - they then proceeded to raise the Armed Forces flag, with a motion to finally cement their policy to be discussed at a full council meeting on Thursday (July 16).
Police have said they received reports of criminal damage but after initial enquiries will not be taking the investigation further.
However, he matter is being investigated internally at Barnsley Council.
Coun William Brown, leader of the council, said: “The matter is currently being investigated by the monitoring officer.”