Warwickshire Council Leader George Finch Faces New Complaint Over Library Book Removal Plan

George Finch, the Reform UK leader of Warwickshire County Council, is facing a formal code of conduct complaint from Warwickshire Pride following his remarks on removing books with "contested gender ideology" from local libraries. Finch stated that libraries should not "embolden political ideologies" he described as "highly charged and polarising," particularly when presented to children "as pure fact."

Finch indicated that a new policy would be developed in response to "a number" of resident complaints about children's books. Although he clarified he was not referring to books about "people's sexuality" but rather those addressing transgender issues, he declined to specify which titles concerned him.

Warwickshire Pride condemned Finch's comments, asserting they "further marginalised" LGBT+ individuals. The organisation stated that "the suggestion that books or resources acknowledging LGBTQ+ people somehow undermine neutrality is both misleading and dangerous." They added that public bodies should not restrict access to information solely because it pertains to a minority group or causes discomfort for some. Out Out Groups UK echoed this criticism, describing Finch's statement as a "political attack."

This is not the first code of conduct complaint against Finch; an independent investigation previously found he breached the code with public comments that could have prejudiced a child rape case. Separate complaints regarding his portrayal of a political rival on social media also remain under investigation. The council leader's position aligns with broader Reform party directives, including recent instructions to Essex library staff, also run by Reform, not to promote events such as Pride and Black History Month.

Finch affirmed his administration would devise a "comprehensive policy" for libraries and all council-owned public spaces, aiming to assure parents that children are not exposed to particular political ideas. He maintained that libraries should be "politically neutral, family-friendly, and not seek to embolden political ideologies," insisting that material on sex, gender, and identity must be presented "in an age-appropriate and responsible way." Warwickshire County Council has declined to comment, characterising the matter as political.