Reform UK has wasted no time flexing its new political muscle. In the wake of its surprise success in the May 2025 local elections, party leader Nigel Farage has declared that councils under Reform control will begin dismantling what he calls the "DEI industry"—a direct reference to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer roles across local authorities.
At a press appearance in County Durham, Farage stated:
“I would advise anybody who’s working for Durham County Council on climate change initiatives or Diversity, Equity and Inclusion or… things that you go on working from home, I think you all better really be seeking alternative careers very, very quickly.”
The comment, delivered with characteristic bravado, sent shockwaves through council chambers and staff unions alike. While Reform UK claims its stance reflects voter frustration with bureaucracy and "ideological jobs," critics have warned that such moves could dismantle years of progress on workplace equality and compliance with legal obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
Unions React Swiftly
Unison, the UK’s largest public service trade union, was quick to condemn the announcement. General Secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Disappointing but not unexpected that Farage thinks he can immediately threaten local government workers in the councils Reform will control. Think again – this isn’t the USA – we have laws that protect workers, and strong unions that will always stand up for their members.”
She went further in urging public sector workers in newly Reform-run areas to join unions and access legal protections, framing the move as a “thinly veiled attempt to politicise and purge equality-focused roles.”
For many councils, DEI officers serve as critical figures ensuring compliance with equality legislation, developing inclusive workplace cultures, and supporting community cohesion through diverse service provision. They lead training programmes on unconscious bias, develop inclusive recruitment practices, oversee employee networks, and help embed anti-discrimination standards across departments.
The abrupt political threat to these roles has created immediate uncertainty for hundreds of council staff.
Legal Experts Warn of Breach of Duty
Reform UK’s move has drawn the attention of legal scholars and equality experts, who argue that councils still remain bound by the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)—a statutory requirement enshrined in the Equality Act 2010. The duty requires public bodies to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between different groups.
Professor Aisha James, an expert in public law at King’s College London, issued a stark warning:
“This goes beyond party politics. The Equality Act isn’t optional. Any public body that seeks to undermine its duties under the guise of ‘efficiency’ or ‘ideology’ could find itself facing judicial review.”
She added that the removal of DEI infrastructure not only endangers compliance but could erode trust with communities that have historically been underrepresented in public life.
A Broader Cultural Divide
Reform UK’s attack on DEI policies is the latest flashpoint in a wider debate across the UK—and globally—over the value and visibility of equality work in the public sector. In recent months, public discourse around DEI has grown increasingly polarised, with some media commentators claiming it represents an unnecessary cost, while others defend it as essential to modern, inclusive governance.
Polling data from YouGov in April 2025 shows that while a slim majority of older voters expressed scepticism about "equality officers," support for DEI remains high among younger people, women, and ethnic minority communities. It also found that 63% of public sector workers believe DEI roles improve fairness and employee wellbeing.
Sociologist Dr. Lianne Okoro at the University of Manchester believes this moment represents a critical test for Britain’s democratic values:
“When elected leaders begin targeting inclusion efforts, it often signals a shift away from participatory governance. These roles exist because of hard-won rights and recognised social inequalities—not because of political fashion.”
What Happens Next?
With new Reform-led administrations taking power in parts of Lincolnshire, Essex, Norfolk, and County Durham, many council workers are bracing for restructuring. Reports from inside several councils suggest internal audits have already begun, aimed at “identifying non-essential roles.”
However, many councils remain legally cautious. Senior HR sources told Diversity Dashboard that even those sympathetic to Reform UK’s views are aware that “you can’t simply delete DEI jobs without creating legal exposure.”
Meanwhile, Unison has launched a campaign titled #ProtectDEIRoles, providing toolkits for staff to document their contributions, understand their rights, and seek union protection if under review. Legal organisations including Liberty and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) are also said to be watching developments closely.
The wider public response will also play a role. As local residents begin to see the knock-on effects of slashed DEI budgets—from reduced outreach services to the closure of community inclusion programmes—it’s likely that the true cost of such cuts will move beyond headlines and into everyday lives.
A Fork in the Road
For many in local government, this is not just an administrative change—it’s a cultural moment. Reform UK’s move is forcing councils, unions, and voters alike to define what kind of leadership they want in local democracy. Will fairness, inclusion, and legal responsibility remain cornerstones of public service? Or are we seeing the beginning of a rollback on equality in the name of populist reform?
The coming months will reveal whether these policy threats can be challenged, resisted, or perhaps even reversed. One thing is certain: this debate is far from over—and those committed to equality in public life are not going quietly.