Reform UK has tabled a motion to end the tradition of saying prayers at the start of Bolton council meetings, sparking debate among local politicians. The motion, set to be debated at the full council meeting on June 24, calls for the formal proceedings to be conducted in a religiously neutral manner.
Motion Details and Rationale
The motion, put forward by Reform UK group leader Councillor Trevor Jones, requests a review of the practice of including prayers as part of formal council meetings. For decades, meetings have begun with a short prayer read by the mayor's chaplain, during which councillors, officers, and observers are invited to stand.
The Reform motion states: "This request is not directed towards any individual, any faith group, or any religious tradition. I fully support the right of every councillor and resident to hold, express and practise their religious belief equally. I support the rights of those who hold no religious belief. The concerns relate solely to the role of the council as a public authority representing the whole community."
The motion argues that in a diverse society, it is increasingly difficult for any single religious observance to reflect the convictions of all councillors and residents. It emphasises a distinction between individual religious practice and the formal conduct of council business, stating: "Council meetings are civic and democratic proceedings. They are the forum in which elected representatives come together to scrutinise decisions, debate policy and make choices on behalf of all residents. For that reason, I believe the formal proceedings of the council should be conducted in a manner that is religiously neutral while remaining respectful of all faiths and beliefs."
Political Reactions
Bolton council's Labour leader, Akhtar Zaman, defended the tradition, saying: "They are attacking one of the civic traditions of this council. We have motions this week on a number of issues that concern the lives and welfare of our people, and what do we get from Reform? Banning prayers at the start of meetings. What a ridiculous opening shot by Reform Bolton."
Conservative councillor and former mayor of Bolton for 2024/25, Andy Morgan, also questioned the motion. He said: "Motions brought before the council should be about improving life for our residents, strengthening our communities, and helping move our borough forward. Bolton has always been strongest when we focus on what unites us, respect, community spirit, and a determination to make our borough a better place for everyone. I hope councillors from across the chamber carefully consider the impact of this motion and ultimately reject it."
Proposed Alternatives
Councillor Jones' motion suggests two possible alternatives to the current practice: either replacing prayers within the formal meeting with a short period of silent reflection, or moving prayers or religious observance to a voluntary session immediately prior to the formal commencement of council meetings.
Reform UK has 10 members on Bolton's 60-strong council, and this is their first motion. The debate is scheduled for the full council meeting on June 24.
