In a recent interview on BBC Politics North, Sean Matthews, the newly instated leader of Lincolnshire County Council and member of Reform UK, stated he will not be partaking in diversity training. Matthews, who emphasises financial responsibility, intends to ‘eliminate unnecessary expenditure’ and has shown no interest in initiatives related to climate change.
These remarks follow a post on social media by Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, where he expressed opposition to compulsory training in diversity or climate change for party councillors. Matthews, buoyed by his party’s recent electoral victory over the Conservatives, indicated, ‘I’ve not been asked to do any diversity training, which is a good start.’
Conversely, Natalie Bennett, a member of the Green Party, has criticised Matthews’ position, referring to it as ‘deeply disconcerting.’
This report has been updated from the original article that was initially published on www.bbc.com.
