A Labour mayor is facing calls to resign after allegedly tearing down a flag bearing the Union Jack from a lamppost.
Colin Bailey, the Mayor of Ripley Town Council, is alleged to have been caught on CCTV removing the red and white flag from a Derbyshire County Council street lamp. It is unclear whether it was an England flag or a Rememberance Day flag.
Alan Graves, Reform UK leader of Derbyshire County Council councillor, said: “Labour continue to show their true colours. It is extremely disappointing that the Labour mayor of Ripley has taken it upon himself to pull down this show of pride and patriotism. If he had any sense of integrity, he would resign.
“Our flags are not just a sign of unity and inclusion, but also of national pride. I will always protect the rights of Brits to display our own flag in our own country. It’s a shame that Labour seem hell-bent on erasing British identity.”
National flags have appeared on flyovers and lampposts across the country amid a wave of anti-migrant protests.
Operation Raise the Colours has encouraged people to hang patriotic flags in public places across the country.
A statement from Ripley Town Council, who confirmed to the Express that its comment referred to Mr Bailey, said: “Ripley Town Council has been made aware of a social media post which shows an incident involving a Town councillor. This incident was not conducted under official council business and is not endorsed or encouraged by the Town Council.
“We understand that the conduct displayed has upset some members of the community.”
The council later confirmed to the Express the statement is regarding cllr Bailey.
It went on to say that formal complaints about councillors will be investigated.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has embraced the flag during his five-year tenure as Labour leader, at one point being mocked for regularly appearing on TV with a Union flag in the background.
This summer he showed his support for those who displayed the cross of St George as a sign of patriotic pride.
But he has also sought to draw a distinction between them and far-Right protesters, arguing the latter weaponised the symbol to divide society.
