Nigel Farage has condemned Greater Manchester Fire Service after it emerged that firefighters supporting the Reform UK party were 'spoken to' by senior management. The Reform UK leader described the incident as a 'direct assault on free speech' following the leak of an internal email.
Leaked Email Sparks Controversy
The email, sent to members of the fire service's Race and Faith Network, stated that Reform-supporting staff had been reminded that 'as members of GMFRS our core values and professional behaviours must be displayed at all times'. It added that the firefighters' political allegiance 'may cause concern within our network and wider'. The message also indicated that the individuals involved had been spoken to regarding their conduct.
Farage's Response
Mr Farage expressed outrage, saying: 'The political browbeating of employees is unacceptable in any case, but for this to have happened during a local election campaign is outrageous. Firefighters have every legal right to support and represent Reform. Targeting them for their political beliefs is a direct assault on free speech that severely damages the service’s reputation.' He added that when lives are at stake, absolute neutrality from public services is expected, accusing Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham of providing the opposite.
Fire Service's Position
Dave Russel, chief fire officer of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS), defended the organisation, stating it is 'politically impartial'. He said: 'Our staff includes people from across the political spectrum. They are entitled to support, be members of, stand as candidates for, or serve as elected representatives of any registered political party. GMFRS does not discriminate against people based on their political beliefs and our staff networks must not do so either.' He confirmed that the service is reviewing processes to ensure such incidents do not recur, while remaining committed to the staff networks' contributions.
By-Election Context
The controversy comes during the Makerfield by-election, a closely contested race between Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who also serves as fire commissioner, and Reform candidate Rob Kenyon. The email reportedly concluded by stating the Race and Faith Network would contact the Fire Brigades Union over the matter.
