William Eichler 18 August 2025

Reform-controlled council cuts Pride funding

Reform-controlled council cuts Pride funding image
Durham Pride © Stephen Garner / Shutterstock.com.

The Reform UK leadership of Durham County Council has been accused of ‘promoting division’ after it cut funding for next year's Pride event.

This year's festival received up to £10,000 in council support, but Reform reportedly said this would be withdrawn due to financial pressures and their opposition to what they describe as a ‘contested political ideology’.

Durham CC's deputy leader Darren Grimes said Pride was 'political street theatre' that 'stopped being a celebration of gay rights a long time ago'.

Durham Pride, Durham Miners Association, and the TUC have condemned the decision, with Dave Pike, regional secretary for the TUC North East, Yorkshire & Humber, accusing the party of ‘promoting division’.

‘Pride is an important celebration for LGBT+ people, a chance to look back at the gains that have been made. For the council to withdraw their support shows the lack of care they have for the people of Durham,’ he said.

Stephen Guy, chair of the Durham Miners’ Association (DMA), added: ‘Reform councillors across County Durham have underestimated the resolve of the LGBT+ community and the support of allies across the trade union movement.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Adult Social Worker Mental Health

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£38,976 - £52,767
Mental Health Social Worker
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Director of Finance (Deputy Section 151 Officer)

Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council
up to salary max £121,445 per annum
We are now seeking a Director of Finance and Deputy Section 151 Officer to play a pivotal role Hybrid / Kingston Upon Thames
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames Council

Principal Engineer - Adoptions

West Northamptonshire Council
£49,587 - £52,860
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Principal Highways Engineer to join our Highways Development Management team at West Northamptonshire Council. This is a senior role leading on the assessment, negotiation, and delivery of highway works linked t Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Head of Highway Operations

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 15 £63,002 - £69,103 per annum
As we begin to implement our new structure, we have an exciting leadership opportunity as the head of our new operations service. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Trainee Roadworker Driver

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 5 £25,185 - £25,583 per annum
We’re looking for Roadworker/trainee LGV drivers to be part of our team undertaking all aspects of highways maintenance and improvement works Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council
Linkedin Banner