Councillor Charles Whitford Apologises After Accusations of 'Inflammatory Assertions' in Leicestershire Flag Dispute
Charles Whitford, a councillor, has issued an apology after an investigation concluded he engaged in "inflammatory assertions about religion/faith matters" during email exchanges with residents concerning unauthorised St George's flags in Markfield, Leicestershire. Four complainants alleged Whitford's September emails were "dismissive, personalised and/or confrontational," failing to address concerns about legality and safety, and leading to feelings of intimidation.
Whitford, previously Leicestershire County Council's Reform UK cabinet member for highways, transport and waste, stated his regret for responding in a "personal rather than professional" manner. He was temporarily removed from his role by council leader Dan Harrison and subsequently left Reform to join Rupert Lowe's Restore Britain party.
The council's report, published this Monday, highlighted Whitford's emails, which claimed flag placers aimed to "reject" the "destruction of British values" amid an "influx of soon to be millions of mainly Muslim men of fighting age." He further alleged immigrants sought to make the UK a "Muslim state," prompting one resident to accuse him of "whipping up hatred."
Whitford acknowledged, "I should not have responded how I did to those emails," confirming his acceptance of the findings regarding the correspondence. He is scheduled to appear before a member conduct panel at County Hall on 5 May to consider the investigation's conclusions, which could include a public apology or formal censure.
The investigation also noted a "technical breach" regarding Whitford's failure to declare his directorship of Appchatz Ltd in his council register of interests. However, no further action was recommended on this matter, citing no evidence of financial gain and Whitford's belief the company was dissolved.