A Reform UK councillor has hit back at staff at Leicestershire County Council after some said they felt "unsafe" over a flag flying policy.
Staff say they have been left feeling concerned after Reform UK launched their new flag flying policy - which was approved during a cabinet meeting that lasted fewer than seven minutes - and will require discretionary approval for Pride and disability flags.
Council leader Dan Harrison announced that the Union flag and county flag would fly permanently from two of three poles at County Hall in Glenfield.
The third pole will display either the St George's flag or the Lord Lieutenant's flag when present on official duties.
The new policy will mean Pride and disability flags will require discretionary approval before being flown
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A fourth pole in the inner quadrangle will mark events including Armed Forces Day, Commonwealth Days and Armistice Day.
Reform UK Chairman of North West Leicestershire, Joseph Boam, has now hit back at the complaints, saying it's a "common sense policy".
He wrote on social media: "Apparently flying the Union Flag and St George's Flag is now 'unsafe' and 'unwelcome?'
"We've brought in a simple, common sense policy: Official buildings, Official flags. That's it. Let's crack on."
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Decisions about flying other banners, including the rainbow flag during Pride month and the disabled people's flag during Disability History Month, will now require approval from the chief executive following consultation with the council leader.
The policy shift has prompted serious concerns amongst council employees, particularly those from LGBT+, disability, and BAME communities, who fear their flags will no longer be displayed.
One staff member, speaking anonymously due to fear of reprisals, said they feel: "In many ways [they are] back in the closet".
"This is a sign that I am 'different' and my family is 'different'. We can get on with our lives, but we need to keep it to ourselves," they said.
The Union flag and the County flag will be flown on two of the three poles at the council
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The employee explained they had joined the council because they "could be myself at work and not spend energy on hiding parts of myself and my family".
"By not flying the rainbow flag, the council is saying: 'It's not safe to be yourself, you're not welcome here," they added.
When questioned about the policy, council leader Harrison explained that there have been so many flags flown throughout the year, which is what they are hoping to avoid.
He insisted the staff are safe in this environment, and if they wanted to fly flags, they could do so at home.
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