Diversity Debate Ignites: Reform Council Ditches Training Amid Controversy

In a surprising move that has sparked controversy, the Reform-led council of Durham County has decided to scrap diversity training for its councillors. This decision was made on 13 June, following a request from the council’s leader, Andrew Husband, who argued that there is ”no requirement in law” for such training. This abrupt removal of the modules focusing on equality, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and climate change comes after Reform won a significant majority in the recent local elections, claiming 63 of the 98 seats available.

Former Labour councillor Rochelle Lainé has been vocal in her opposition, stating that this action could reverse years of progress in promoting diversity and inclusion within the council. Lainé raised concerns during a council meeting about how the absence of EDI training might affect councillors’ ability to make ”legally informed and compliant decisions” regarding public sector duties related to equality.

Husband’s rationale for this decision reflects a broader stance taken by the national Reform leadership, including Nigel Farage, who has advocated for a boycott of these training programs on the grounds that ”all people should be treated equally”. Critics, however, have countered that this rhetoric could lead to a resurgence of casual racism and discrimination.

Deputy council leader Darren Grimes defended the removal of the training modules, specifically rejecting the inclusion of materials on unconscious bias, which he believes promotes a fundamentally racist perspective on social privilege. Grimes argues that their council, comprised largely of members who have backgrounds as the descendants of miners, does not subscribe to the notion of privilege based on characteristics such as skin colour. This debate continues to inflame opinions on the council as discussions around diversity, equality, and training in governance remain desperately needed.