Conservatives Demand Apology from Council Leader Over Flag Remarks

The Redditch Conservative Group has called on the Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Cllr Sharon Harvey, to apologise following comments she made online linking local flag displays to far-right groups.

In a public post on the Redditch Standard Facebook page, Cllr Harvey wrote: “Is the Standard encouraging the far right Operation Raise the Colours? This is organised by Britain First and Tommy Robinson.”

The Conservatives described Harvey’s remarks as “factually incorrect, inflammatory and deeply disrespectful” to residents and businesses who have flown the Union Jack and St George’s Cross in the town.

They say many people have chosen to display flags as a show of unity, heritage and civic pride, and that suggesting the initiative was connected to extremist groups risked “stoking division and alienating ordinary people.”

In a statement, the group said:

“We believe Councillor Harvey’s remarks are an attempt to silence legitimate expressions of patriotism by smearing them with politically charged insinuations. This kind of rhetoric undermines community cohesion and public trust in local leadership.”

The Conservatives are now demanding a public apology from Cllr Harvey to those who took part in the flag displays “in good faith.”

Cllr Matt Dormer, Leader of the Conservative Opposition Group, added:

“It is frankly shocking that the Labour Leader of Redditch Borough Council would choose to publicly associate local residents raising our national flag with extremism. This is not the language or behaviour people expect from the leader of our council. Flying the flag is a proud tradition that belongs to everyone in our community. Instead of attacking volunteers who want to brighten up our town, the Council Leader should be setting an example that unites, not divides.”

The Redditch Conservative Group also urged councillors “to reflect seriously” on whether, in their view, this style of leadership was right for the town.