Reform bids to change free speech rules for County Durham councillors

Darren Grimes, deputy leader of Durham County Council, tabled a motion to strengthen free speech protections in the code of conduct for elected members. It says elected members may require expressing views “that some find controversial or offensive” as long as they remain within the bounds of law. 

But Councillor John Shuttleworth questioned the motive behind the plea.

At a special cabinet meeting on Monday, he asked the deputy leader: “How can the Reform group strive for good governance when they want free speech?”

However, Cllr Grimes refuted the Independent member’s claim, saying: “Free speech isn’t the enemy of good governance; it’s the foundation of it.” 

He added: “Good governance thrives on open debate, proper scrutiny, and the ability to challenge decisions without fear of being silenced. When councils operate in echo chambers, where dissenting voices are shut down, that is when you get the kind of groupthink that leads to poor decision-making and wasting taxpayer cash.”

Reform wants to replicate a similar request approved by Bromley Council in 2024. The motion was due to be discussed at a full council meeting last week, but members ran out of time to discuss it. 

It also requested amending Durham County Council’s Code of Conduct for elected members by adding the following provisions:

• The right to free speech under the law is the basis of democracy and will be upheld at all times. There is no right to not be offended by any lawful speech. Members have a democratic duty to represent their constituents and engage in robust political debate, and this right shall be protected from vexatious or frivolous complaints.

• When assessing complaints involving freedom of expression, particular regard shall be given to the enhanced protection afforded to political speech under Article 10 European Convention on Human Rights and the democratic mandate of elected members to represent diverse viewpoints within their communities.

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Cllr Grimes added: “This council believes that robust discussion is the right way to actually express different viewpoints, even uncomfortable ones, leading to better outcomes for our residents. 

“Free speech allows councillors to represent their constituents and residents honestly, challenges consensus, and ensures that all sides of an argument are heard before decisions are made. That’s not a threat to good governance, that’s exactly what good governance looks like.”

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Shuttleworth maintained his criticism of the party’s free speech plea, adding: “They think they can say what they want and get away with it. It’s about being open, transparent, fair, and telling the truth.”