Reform UK’s post-election strategy has sparked national concern. Following significant gains in the May 2025 local elections, party leader Nigel Farage has announced that councils under Reform’s control will begin scrapping Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) officer roles. This announcement has raised urgent questions about the future of inclusive employment and equal representation in public life.
At a rally in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, Farage said:
“I would advise anybody who’s working for Durham County Council on climate change initiatives or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or… things that you go on working from home, I think you all better really be seeking alternative careers very, very quickly.”
The statement has drawn widespread criticism from trade unions, legal experts and equality campaigners, all of whom warn that this move could dismantle essential workplace protections—particularly for LGBTQI employees, disabled staff, and minority ethnic communities.
The Role of DEI Officers in Public Life
DEI officers play a key role in local government by supporting inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring councils meet obligations under the Equality Act 2010, developing LGBTQI staff networks, and fostering safe, respectful working environments. These roles also help councils ensure public services are accessible and representative of the communities they serve.
Removing these officers risks sidelining the very policies designed to protect underrepresented staff and residents. For many LGBTQI employees in local government, DEI leads have been vital allies in implementing inclusive benefits, supporting trans inclusion policies, and addressing workplace discrimination.
Unison, the UK’s largest public service union, condemned the proposals immediately. General Secretary Christina McAnea said:
“This is not the US. Thankfully, workers in the UK have laws to protect them from bad employers. And soon employees will get even more protection from unscrupulous bosses when the government’s new employment rights come in.”
She urged council workers, particularly those employed in authorities now under Reform UK control, to join a union for support and legal guidance. While no official campaign has been launched under the banner, online calls to #ProtectDEIRoles are gaining traction among public sector equality advocates.
Legal Implications Under the Equality Act
The legal responsibilities of councils remain unchanged. Under the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED), public bodies must take active steps to eliminate discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between groups.
Professor Aisha James, a legal scholar at King’s College London, warned that eliminating DEI roles may leave councils exposed to legal challenge:
“The Equality Act isn’t optional. Local authorities that attempt to dismantle DEI structures without proper consideration of their statutory duties may find themselves in breach of the law.”
What It Means for LGBTQI Employees
This is not simply a policy change—it is a cultural moment. For LGBTQI staff, especially those outside major cities, DEI roles often provide the only structured support for navigating identity in the workplace. From supporting name and gender marker changes to creating Pride events and safe spaces, DEI teams have helped make public service a more inclusive sector.
The loss of this support could have a chilling effect on openness and progression for LGBTQI employees in councils newly influenced by Reform UK’s political agenda.
Internal restructuring is already under discussion in several councils across the Midlands, East and North of England where Reform UK now holds power. Trade unions are offering legal advice and representation, and equality bodies are monitoring developments closely.
The debate over DEI’s place in public life is far from over. For LGBTQI professionals, this is a critical moment to stand firm, connect with supportive networks, and reaffirm the importance of inclusive values in the workplace.