Reform UK councillor charged with assault and criminal damage following incident at Pride event

Mandy Clare, a local councillor representing the Winsford Dene ward on Cheshire West and Chester Council for Reform UK, has been formally charged with assault and criminal damage following an incident at a Pride event over the weekend.

According to Cheshire Police, officers were called to Winsford Pride around 4.30pm on Saturday after reports of a disturbance. Clare, who has previously served under multiple political banners including Labour, the Socialist Labour Party and the Party of Women, was arrested at the scene and later charged. 

The Crown Prosecution Service has confirmed that Clare will appear before magistrates in Crewe on Friday, 8 August. Authorities have urged the public and media to refrain from commentary or speculation that could prejudice the legal proceedings.

The incident has sparked significant attention, particularly given Clare’s controversial political history and past remarks about LGBTQ+ events. She has previously faced criticism for allegedly homophobic comments online, including describing Pride events as “hideous”.

Reform UK has not yet issued an official statement regarding the charges.