Stafford Pride calls for apology from new Reform UK Leader of Staffordshire County Council for “blatant and undeniable lies”
Stafford Pride has called on Staffordshire County Council’s new leader, Reform UK Councillor Ian Cooper, to apologise for “blatant and undeniable lies” after he said the annual Pride event was funded by taxpayers’ money.
Speaking on ITV Central, Cllr Cooper said Stafford Pride was funded by taxpayers’ money and that organisers should approach the private sector and “put [their] hands in [their] own pockets”.
Posting a statement on social media, Stafford Pride has demanded an apology following what they call “blatant and undeniable lies”.
They said: “We are disappointed to hear that fabricated comments and falsehoods by the new Leader of Staffordshire County Council, Cllr Ian Cooper, have been made in regards to the funding of Stafford Pride.
“Cllr Cooper has stated that while he supports Stafford Pride, he does not believe that taxpayers’ money should be paying for it, yet it doesn’t.
“In 2024, four sitting County Councillors used part of their Community Fund to support the event to the total of £1,700 as the event match and fitted criteria as set out under the Council’s Community Fund. With the event costing well over £35,000 to hold, the donation was appreciated but was far from the total of hosting the event.
“Staffordshire County Council did not pay nor fund Stafford Pride apart from the aforementioned and Cllr Cooper should not make such comments without doing his homework first… He comments are defamatory and damaging to the hard work pout in by our volunteers.
“Stafford Pride stands by each and every member of the LGBTQ+ community and is self-funded by local business, ticket sales and local small grants including support from Stafford Borough Council with services in kind, with all proceeds funding next year’s event.
“We await an apology from Cllr Cooper and his amendment on record in due course.”
Reform won 49 out of 62 seats on Staffordshire County Council during the local elections on 1 May, winning control from the Conservatives who had led the authority since 2009.
