"Reform council's Nottingham Post ban slammed as assault on local democracy"

Reform Council Leader’s Media Ban Sparks Democracy Concerns

A decision by a Reform council leader to prohibit local representatives from speaking with a major regional newspaper has been condemned as a "serious threat to local democracy" and a possible preview of how the party might govern if it gains national power, the publication’s editor has said.

In an unusual step, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Reform-led administration, in place for four months, has announced it will no longer engage with the *Nottingham Post*, its digital platform, or a team of BBC-supported local democracy reporters it oversees.

Nigel Farage is under pressure to address the dispute, with local MPs accusing Reform of "blatant hypocrisy" given its past advocacy for free expression and openness. Lee Anderson, Reform’s MP for Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, has pledged to support the boycott.

Speaking to *CuriosityNews*, Natalie Fahy, editor of the *Nottingham Post* and *Nottinghamshire Live*, said the restriction was imposed by council leader Mick Barton following reporting on proposed changes to local government structures. She described the move as an alarming indicator of Reform’s stance toward independent journalism.

"This is a serious threat to local democracy," Fahy said. "I’ve worked in journalism for two decades. We’ve had disagreements with councils of all stripes, but most officials understand scrutiny comes with the job. You don’t respond by silencing questions.

"If Reform wins the next election, this could be a glimpse of what’s ahead. What’s happening in Nottinghamshire might mirror how things could unfold nationwide under Nigel Farage’s leadership—a suppression of accountability.

"Elected officials must answer to those they represent. We don’t take sides politically. We’re not against Reform—we’re seeking transparency."

The decision has drawn criticism from rival parties. The Liberal Democrats have urged Farage to overturn what they called a "dangerous and stifling" policy, alleging it may violate local government conduct rules requiring officials to accept scrutiny.

Tensions stem from a June interview clip featuring a Reform councillor that spread widely online, appearing to show a lack of familiarity with their responsibilities. While relations with reporters later improved, Barton ended cooperation after disputing coverage of local government reorganization plans, including reported splits among Reform councillors.

Under the ban, all 41 Reform councillors are barred from speaking with Nottinghamshire Live and local democracy reporters. The outlet also says council press officers have been told to exclude it from media distribution lists, cutting access to official statements.