Reform group in bid to change free speech rules

A REFORM UK attempt to alter free speech legislation for councillors in County Durham has come under scrutiny.

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Darren Grimes, deputy leader of Durham County Council, put forward a motion aimed at bolstering free speech safeguards within the code of conduct for elected representatives.

The proposal states that elected officials may need to voice opinions “that some find controversial or offensive” provided they stay within legal parameters.

However, Coun John Shuttleworth has raised doubts about the reasoning behind this appeal.

During a special cabinet session on Monday, he challenged the deputy leader: “How can the Reform group strive for good governance when they want free speech?”

Nevertheless, Coun Grimes dismissed the Independent member's assertion, responding: “Free speech isn’t the enemy of good governance; it’s the foundation of it.”