Nigel Farage is facing calls to intervene in overturning a controversial decision to restrict certain local journalists from interacting with Reform UK. In a move reminiscent of Donald Trump’s style, the council leader of Nottingham County Council (NCC) has barred select local reporters from accessing the party’s press releases and conducting interviews with him and the 40 elected Reform councillors in the region. This action has sparked criticism for being contradictory to Reform UK’s professed support for free speech while restricting media access.
Requests have been made to Mr. Farage, the leader of Reform UK, to step in and urge council leader Mick Barton to reverse the ban imposed on Nottinghamshire Live/Nottingham Post and journalists from the local democracy reporting service. The ban, criticized by union leaders as an attempt to intimidate and manipulate the press, has raised concerns about the relationship between politicians and the media if Mr. Farage assumes a higher office.
Exceptions to the ban will only apply in emergency situations such as flooding. The restrictions were imposed following a report by Nottinghamshire Live on local government restructuring plans. Additionally, the Reform group at NCC has warned other media outlets of potential bans if they are deemed to consistently misrepresent their politics, actions, or intentions.
Reform UK MP Lee Anderson has publicly declared a boycott of Nottinghamshire Live, further escalating tensions. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Max Wilkinson has written to Mr. Farage, highlighting the potential violation of local government’s code of conduct by excluding certain media outlets. The move has been likened to tactics employed by Donald Trump and criticized as a threat to freedom of the press and democratic values.
Nottingham Post’s editor, Natalie Fahy, has condemned the decision, describing it as a dangerous precedent that undermines press freedom. She expressed concerns about the conduct of Reform UK politicians in the area, labeling it as “playground politics” and called on Mr. Farage to address the situation to prevent similar behavior if Reform UK gains further political power.
Various politicians and media organizations have condemned the ban, emphasizing the importance of media scrutiny in holding elected officials accountable. Trade unions and journalist associations have expressed worry over the chilling effect of such restrictions on local democracy and urged Reform UK to reconsider its stance on media engagement.
The Reform group at NCC defended its decision, stating that the ban on proactive engagement with certain journalists will only be lifted in specific emergency circumstances and that public meetings will remain open to all reporters. The move has stirred controversy and drawn attention to the delicate balance between press freedom and political accountability.