By KLTV Newsdesk – 

Opposition councillors accuse Reform administration of pursuing a “divisive and unnecessary” policy while pressing local issues remain unresolved

Kirklees Liberal Democrats have criticised the Reform administration at Kirklees Council over changes to the authority’s flag-flying policy, describing the move as “divisive and unnecessary”.

The Liberal Democrat group has formally submitted a Call-In notice against the decision, arguing that the policy change is distracting from what it says are more pressing issues facing residents across the district.

The criticism comes alongside concerns raised by the party over the cancellation of a number of scheduled Cabinet meetings.

Under the previous Kirklees protocol, decisions to fly specific flags on civic buildings required agreement between the Mayor of Kirklees, the Council’s Chief Executive and the Leader of the Council.

The Liberal Democrats have questioned why the administration has introduced what they describe as a sweeping and restrictive new policy when the Council Leader already had a direct role in decisions over which flags were flown.

Concerns over local civic traditions

The party has also raised concerns about the potential impact of the policy on established civic traditions across Kirklees.

Among those highlighted is the flying of the Irish Tricolour or St Patrick’s Saltire at Huddersfield Town Hall, which the Liberal Democrats describe as a recognised convention celebrating the cultural roots and contributions of the local Irish community.

Cllr Anthony Smith, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group on Kirklees Council, said: “People across Kirklees are crying out for leadership on potholes, roads, social care, school funding, and basic council services. Instead, after weeks of cancelled Cabinet meetings and inaction, the very first policy Reform manages to produce is an unnecessary crackdown on Town Hall flagpoles.

“This is completely out of touch with what residents care about. Under the existing rules, the Council Leader already had a direct seat at the table alongside the Mayor and the Chief Executive to decide which flags were raised. Cllr Sarah Wood already possessed all the authority she needed. So why waste officer time, legal resources, and public goodwill pushing through a divisive blanket policy behind closed doors?

“This isn’t just about procedure; it is about our identity as an inclusive district. In previous years, Kirklees has proudly flown the RAF Ensign to remember our armed forces, the 999 Day flag to support frontline emergency workers, the Windrush Flag to honour our African Caribbean community, and the Pride flag celebrating Huddersfield’s pivotal historic role in hosting the first ever national Pride march back in 1981.

“Our local Irish community has also proudly seen the Irish Tricolour and St Patrick’s Saltire raised above Huddersfield Town Hall. Members of that community have contacted me in utter disbelief and hurt that this civic tradition is being cast aside without a single word of consultation.

“Kirklees has a proud civic tradition of inclusion, mutual respect, and celebrating the diverse communities that make up our towns and villages. The Liberal Democrats have called in this decision because we will not stand by while the administration picks ideological fights instead of getting on with the job of running the Council.”

Decision referred for scrutiny

The Liberal Democrats have lodged a formal Call-In under Kirklees Council’s Scrutiny Procedure Rules.

The party is calling for implementation of the new flag policy to be paused and for the decision to be referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee for public examination.

The group says it wants the decision to be scrutinised while concerns over the policy and its potential impact on civic traditions are considered.

The Liberal Democrats argue that the Council should instead focus its attention on what they identify as key local priorities, including roads, social care, school funding and basic council services.