Council Plans to Axe ‘Woke’ Equality Measures

By the Editorial Team · Monday, June 29, 2026

A Reform UK-led council in Staffordshire has announced plans to dismantle several equality, diversity, and inclusion programs, including EDI training and identity-based networks, aiming to reform recruitment policies. This move is intended to serve as a model for other UK local authorities and marks what the party describes as a major rollback of EDI measures, with further policy reviews and audits planned.

A council led by Reform UK in Staffordshire has announced plans to eliminate a range of equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives, aiming to set a precedent for other local authorities across the United Kingdom. The proposed changes include the removal of EDI training programs, the disbandment of identity-based staff networks, and the overhaul of recruitment practices to ensure no individual is either advantaged or disadvantaged due to protected characteristics.

Reform UK described the upcoming reforms as possibly the most significant rollback of EDI measures undertaken by any British local authority. The party has positioned the Staffordshire plan as a model for similar policies elsewhere. According to the party, these actions are intended to reverse what they characterize as years of "EDI creep" that occurred even when the council was previously governed by the Conservative Party.

A recent cabinet policy document titled "Equality Before the Council" outlines the intention to cease what Reform UK describes as "virtue-signalling campaigns" and to abolish hiring and promotion practices they consider unfair. An internal audit is also planned to review existing policies in order to identify those regarded as unnecessary, along with opportunities for financial savings.

Richard Tice, Reform UK's deputy leader, stated that the party had promised to eradicate what it calls "toxic EDI culture" within councils under its control. He credited the work of the Staffordshire team for delivering on that commitment. Staffordshire Council Deputy Leader Hayley Coles also expressed support for the reforms, asserting that the council will no longer tolerate existing arrangements and that the new policy would restore what they believe has been lost under previous frameworks.

The move has sparked debate about the role and impact of EDI initiatives in local government, with Reform UK advocating for a shift toward what it frames as neutral and merit-based policies. The council’s detailed plans and the outcomes of the proposed audit are expected to unfold in the coming months.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.