A Reform UK council leader has declared that Staffordshire County Council will not fund the local Pride parade, insisting taxpayers’ money should be directed elsewhere.
The statement has sparked controversy ahead of Stafford Pride’s second annual parade scheduled for August, which will feature drag performer Baga Chipz as the headline act.
Ian Cooper said: “We’re not against Pride – have a great time, enjoy yourself. However, we are not going to spend taxpayers’ money funding that.
“If you want to do that, go to the private sector, ask charities, put your hand in your own pocket – we think priorities are better spent on other things.”
A Reform UK council leader has declared that Staffordshire County Council will not fund the local Pride parade
Staffordshire County Council
Pride organisers have responded with demands for an apology from Cooper, disputing his characterisation of council funding.
Jack Taylor-Walker, chairman of Stafford Pride, said: “Councillor 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.”
He clarified that in 2024, four county councillors contributed £1,700 from their community funds to support the event, which met the council’s criteria.
With total costs exceeding £35,000, this represented a small fraction of the overall budget.
Pride organisers have responded with demands for an apology from Cooper, disputing his characterisation of council funding
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Taylor-Walker added: “Staffordshire County Council as a local authority did not pay nor fund Stafford Pride apart from the aforementioned.”
The Pride event relies primarily on private funding sources rather than council support.
Taylor-Walker explained that Stafford Pride is “self-funded by local businesses, ticket sales and local small grants, including support from Stafford Borough Council, with services in kind and with all proceeds funding the next year’s event.”
Additionally, private company Amey provided the road closure arrangements for the parade as a donation to the event.
Staffordshire County Council is controlled by Reform
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Taylor-Walker concluded: “Stafford Pride stands by each and every member of the LGBTQ+ community” and reiterated his call for an apology from Cooper, requesting “his amendment on record in due course.”
Pride events occur across the UK, typically in June, to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall riots.
These events involve marches, parades, and festivities that promote acceptance, equality, and visibility for LGBTQ+ people.
