Reform council blacklists journalist, hampering local journalism

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 2, 2026

Derbyshire county council’s Reform group has stopped cooperating with journalist Eddie Bisknell, citing concerns over his reporting, which critics argue threatens press freedom and local journalism. This decision has sparked backlash from media organizations and political figures who warn it undermines democratic accountability and the role of the press in scrutinizing public officials.

Derbyshire county council’s Reform group has decided to cease engagement with local journalist Eddie Bisknell, a move critics say hinders local journalism and raises concerns over press freedom.

The decision was announced Tuesday by Stephen Reed, deputy leader of Derbyshire county council, who cited a “prolonged period of concerns” about Bisknell’s reporting style and narrative framing. Reed specifically criticized Bisknell’s handling of a story involving Helene Ball, an 81-year-old resident who successfully challenged the council in a dispute and subsequently had two concrete blocks placed outside her home. Reed initially claimed Bisknell had allowed the council only four hours to respond to the article. However, after Derbyshire Live published a screenshot showing Bisknell’s request for comment had been sent nearly 24 hours prior to publication, Reed retracted this claim but maintained other concerns about the journalist’s conduct.

Bisknell, who reports for Derbyshire Live and other local outlets as a BBC-funded local democracy reporter, described the blacklisting as “an unwarranted and unwelcome speed bump” to public service journalism. He emphasized the essential democratic role of scrutiny in holding elected officials accountable and said that restrictions on his work undermine his ability to challenge potential misinformation and perform fundamental journalistic duties.

Natalie Fahy, who oversees multiple Reach publisher outlets including Derbyshire Live, publicly rejected Reed’s allegations. Alex Dale, leader of Derbyshire’s Conservative councillors, condemned the blacklisting as an “attack on the freedom of the press.” Rebecca Paul, shadow culture secretary, criticized Reform for what she called “a total disdain for a free press,” while a Labour spokesperson described the decision as “outrageous.”

The BBC underscored the importance of independent journalism to local democracy, stating that journalists must be free to question those in power without fear of reprisals and urged both parties to seek resolution.

Reform’s Derbyshire branch defended the move, stating it was not an attack on press freedom or the principle of scrutiny. They asserted that their concern lay with ensuring journalists adhere to the highest standards of fairness, accuracy, balance, and professionalism.

Attempts to obtain further comment from Derbyshire county council and Reform have been made.

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.