The newly elected Reform UK administration at Essex County Council has removed the Ukrainian flag from outside County Hall in Chelmsford, replacing it with a second Union flag. The flag had been flying since March 2022, shortly after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Council leader Peter Harris described the move as a "proud moment," stating that it does not diminish the support Essex residents have shown Ukraine. A spokesman said discussions will be held with the local Ukrainian community to find a new home for the flag.
However, the decision has drawn criticism. Lee Scott, leader of the Conservative opposition, called it "deeply disappointing" and warned it could encourage "pro-Kremlin politics" locally, sending the wrong message at a time when European allies are standing firm with Ukraine.
Reform has previously pledged to only fly Union, national, county, or armed forces flags outside buildings it controls. This is the latest in a series of early moves by the party, which ended the Conservatives' 25-year control of the authority. Earlier, Reform announced plans to scrap library reservation charges and threatened legal action to stop local government reorganisation.