'We are not funded by the taxpayer' - Stafford Pride organiser demands apology from new Reform council leader after false claims about its funding
Stafford Pride organisers have demanded an apology following comments made by Staffordshire County Council’s new leader about event funding.
This month is Pride month, which celebrates diversity and commemorates the history of the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community, coinciding with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in the US.
The first Stafford Pride event, which took place last year, included a parade through the town centre and family entertainment in Victoria Park. Volunteers are now gearing up to host this year’s Stafford Pride on Saturday, August 9, which will be headlined by Baga Chipz, who competed in the first series of TV show Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK.
This week Stafford Pride hit the headlines early however after Reform UK councillor Ian Cooper, who became Staffordshire County Council’s new leader last month, spoke about funding during a TV interview. He said: “We’re not against Pride – have a great time, enjoy yourself.
“However, we are not going to spend taxpayers’ money funding that. If you want to do that, go to the private sector, ask charities, put your hand in your own pocket – we think priorities are better spent on other things.”
Stafford Pride Chairman Jack Taylor-Walker said in response: “Councillor Cooper has stated that while he supports Stafford Pride, he does not believe that taxpayers’ money should be paying for it. Yet it doesn’t.
“In 2024, four county councillors used part of their Community Fund to support the 2024 event to the total of £1,700 as the event matched and fitted criteria as set out under the council’s Community Fund. With the event costing well over £35,000 to hold, the donation was appreciated but went far from the total of hosting the event.
“In further support Amey, as a private company, arranged for our road closure for our parade as a donation to the event. Staffordshire County Council as a local authority did not pay nor fund Stafford Pride apart from the aforementioned.
“Stafford Pride stands by each and every member of the LGBTQ+ community and is self-funded by local businesses, ticket sales and local small grants, including support from Stafford Borough Council, with services in kind and with all proceeds funding the next year’s event. We await an apology from Councillor Cooper and his amendment on record in due course.”
