Full Breakdown
St Helens Council Ends Observation of Black History Month
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Decision
On October 1, Councillor George Woodward, leader of the Reform-led St Helens Borough Council, announced via a Facebook post that the authority would not be observing Black History Month.
Background & Context
Reform UK gained control of St Helens Council in May 2024 and has withdrawn support for Pride Month and Refugee Week. The council had previously promoted Black History Month; in October 2025 it published an article featuring Councillor Bisi Osundeko, the borough’s first Black deputy mayor, titled *The Importance of Black History Month: My Story, My Heritage, Our St Helens*. Woodward’s October 1 announcement reverses that stance.
Official Statements & Responses
- George Woodward said celebrating a single skin tone “splits people” and that the council must prioritize “British culture.”
- Bisi Osundeko, former Black deputy mayor, called Woodward’s remarks “hate speech” that caused “a lot of hurt.”
- Jeanie Bell, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, labelled the stance “profoundly” wrong.
- The St Helens Liberal Democrat group said it “completely disagrees” with the decision and reminded the council of its duties under the Equality Act 2010.
- The Newton and Earlestown Community Group argued that Black History Month provides a vital platform to recognise local links to the slave trade.
Criticism & Opposition
Local politicians and community organisations have described the announcement as a culture-war move that undermines education and social cohesion. Labour MP David Baines accused the council of “depriving our schools” and warned the decision may breach Equality Act responsibilities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The only thing this nonsense does is deprive our schools of the opportunity to teach history and promote community cohesion,” — David Baines
- “I think it is pretty much the definition of racism to split people up and prioritise certain groups based on protected characteristics.” — George Woodward
- “I see this as hate speech.” — Bisi Osundeko
What’s Next
Despite the policy change, local groups—including Café Laziz CIC, Joy Free Training, and Hope United FC—are finalising plans for Black History Month events in October 2026. The Liberal Democrat group will monitor the council’s compliance with Equality Act obligations and may pursue further action if the policy is not reversed.