Reform UK’s deputy leader on Durham County Council, Cllr Darren Grimes, has faced a barrage of criticism after resurfaced X posts showed him using offensive language and sharing an AI-generated video of himself in a rainbow-coloured hijab, claiming he’s “immune from hate speech laws.” Despite calls to apologise, Grimes stands firm, invoking his right to free speech.
📺 From GB News host to council deputy
Grimes, a former GB News presenter, rode Reform UK’s sweeping May 1 victories into the role of deputy leader. His elevation gave him significant sway over local policy in Durham—responsible for council tax decisions, housing strategy, waste collection and social services for over half a million residents. Yet details of his past social-media antics have left many colleagues and constituents aghast.
👎 “Astounding” tactics, say opponents
Amanda Hopgood, the ex-SNP council leader, warned:
“A senior leadership role in a council the size of County Durham is responsible work—it is not a laughing matter… To see posts like this by someone…is astounding.”
Labour spokespeople piled on, accusing him of caring more about “Twitter followers than frontline services,” and urging Reform UK to “start behaving like adults.” Even local community groups have expressed concern that such posts could undermine trust in elected officials.
🗣️ Grimes fires back on free speech
Undeterred, Grimes refuses to back down. He told critics:
“I was elected by the people of my community to represent them with honesty and conviction, not to self-censor in the hope of appeasing newspaper columnists or permanently outraged activists online.”
He elaborated that his constituents care much more about local issues—council tax, housing, bin collections—than “selective outrage about political posts.”
🔍 Targeting DEI and political correctness
Reviewing his X archive, Grimes repeatedly challenged diversity and inclusion policies, criticised political correctness, and employed robust political satire. He argues that vigorous debate forms democracy’s backbone—and no topic, however sensitive, should be off-limits.
⚖️ A defiant approach to representation
Durham’s voters clearly resonated with Grimes’s straight-talking approach on May 1. He insists:
“If robust criticism of government policy or political satire is now considered controversial, that says more about the narrow bounds of acceptable speech in certain media circles than it does about my suitability for public office.”
He pledges to continue representing Annfield Plain and Tanfield “without apology or retreat,” focusing on improving local services.
🌐 What comes next?
As Grimes gears up for formal confirmation at next week’s full council meeting, all eyes will watch how he balances his outspoken digital persona with the gravitas demanded by his leadership role. His stance raises a broader question: in an age of instant outrage and “cancel culture,” can elected officials afford to defy calls for apology and still command public trust?
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