Full Breakdown
Reform UK Replaces Ukrainian Flag with Second Union Flag at Essex County Council
5/16/2026, 1:19:55 AM
Flag Replacement at County Hall
On 15 May 2024, Essex County Council removed the Ukrainian flag that had flown outside County Hall in Chelmsford since March 2022 and raised a second Union Flag. The change occurred after Reform UK secured a majority in the council election on 7 May 2024, ending a 25-year Conservative administration.
Background and Key Figures
The Ukrainian flag was first hoisted weeks after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, serving as a local expression of solidarity. Reform UK’s victory—winning 53 of the council’s seats—marked the first non-Conservative majority since the authority’s creation in 1973. Council leader-elect Peter Harris (Reform UK) leads the new administration, while Lee Scott heads the Conservative opposition. Reform UK’s flag policy limits council displays to the Union, national, county or armed-forces flags. Reform UK had pledged before taking office to fly only Union, national, county or armed-forces flags, a pledge now reflected in the flag change at County Hall.
Official Statements & Responses
Peter Harris described the flag change as a “proud moment” and stressed that the removal “does not diminish the support and generosity that Essex residents have shown the people of Ukraine since 2022.” Reform UK reiterated its stance that only the Union, national, county or armed-forces flags may be displayed on council premises. A council spokesman said discussions with the county’s Ukrainian community would be held before the flag is relocated.
Criticism & Opposition
Lee Scott called the removal “deeply disappointing,” warning it “sends the wrong message” and could “import the language and instincts of pro-Kremlin politics” into Essex while European allies continue to support Ukraine.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today we have raised a second Union Flag at County Hall in Chelmsford. It was a proud moment to see it flying high, representing all of the nations that make up our wonderful United Kingdom.” — Peter Harris, Council Leader-Elect
- “The replacement of the Ukraine flag does not diminish the support and generosity that Essex residents have shown the people of Ukraine since 2022, and I know this will continue.” — Peter Harris, Council Leader-Elect
- “For Essex to turn its back on a visible symbol of solidarity risks importing the language and instincts of pro-Kremlin politics into our county at the very moment our allies across Europe continue to stand firm in support of Ukraine,” — Lee Scott, Conservative Opposition Leader
- “ A spokesman said there would be discussions with the county's Ukrainian community before finding the flag a new home.” — Council Spokesman
What’s Next
The council plans to consult the local Ukrainian community on a new location for the flag. The council will continue discussions with the Ukrainian community to determine a suitable new location for the flag.
