An investigation is underway following claims that Reform UK councillors sought to halt a music event in Wakefield due to posters displaying the face of party leader Nigel Farage. Police and Wakefield Council are examining reports from the Love Music Hate Racism event, held at Wakefield Exchange (WX) on Saturday.
Organizers stated they were informed by two councillors that "any posters and banners that named Farage or the event would be stopped." Reform UK gained control of Wakefield Council from Labour in May's local elections.
Steve Parker, a Reform councillor for Wakefield East who organizers identified as present, declined to comment further as the incident is under investigation. West Yorkshire Police confirmed they received a report on Monday concerning the event at WX and are conducting inquiries.
According to event organizers, an altercation ensued after complaints were made by the two councillors about a poster featuring the Reform leader. "We were simply told to remove any posters and banners that named Farage or the event would be stopped," organizers said in a statement. They added that the councillors refused an invitation for discussion and that the original complaint has not been seen by organizers.