Reform's Darren Grimes Seeks Help From European Convention on Human Rights After Previously Calling It 'Utterly Bent'
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Reform's Durham County Council deputy leader Darren Grimes, who has previously described the European Convention on Human Rights as "utterly bent" is now planning to use it in a move which will make it easier to dismiss complaints by voters.
"Beard removal is now 'torture' under the ECHR", Grimes complained on June 25. He's also claimed that "the ECHR still runs our borders" and has mocked Keir Starmer as "the ECHR's biggest fanboy on the world stage".
Grimes has made no secret of his desire to quit the human rights framework, writing in 2024: "Leave the ECHR! Please wake up to how serious this is for democracy!"
But, it now seems Grimes is the ECHR's biggest supporter on the council stage. At least, when it suits.
EXCLUSIVE
Reform's Darren Grimes Accused of Lying After Police Deny Telling Him Not to Hold Council Surgeries for 'Security' Reasons
EXCLUSIVE: Local police have rejected the Reform UK deputy council leader's claim that they advised him not to meet his constituents
Josiah Mortimer
On July 16, at the full council meeting, Grimes will present a motion which will:
Incorporate a principle that there is "no right to not be offended by lawful speech" into the council's Code of Conduct.
Argue that as councillors are "democratically mandated representatives" with constitutional duties, they are not subject to workplace restrictions on (hateful) speech.
Prevent supposedly "vexatious" standards proceedings against councillors for controversial but lawful political views.
Amend complaint procedures to give "particular regard" to enhanced protection for political speech when assessing complaints against councillors.
Call on other North East councils to adopt similar measures to prevent "misuse of standards procedures to silence legitimate political debate"
But the provision which really stands out is this: "When assessing complaints involving freedom of expression, particular regard shall be given to the enhanced protection afforded to political speech under Article 10 ECHR and the democratic mandate of elected members to represent diverse viewpoints within their communities."
Article 10 of the ECHR protects people's right to hold their own opinions and to express them freely without Government interference. The convention is overseen by the Council of Europe and enforcement undertaken by the European Court of Human Rights.
As Byline Times has reported, Grimes has already faced complaints over his inflammatory social media posts - though at least one was swiftly dismissed, with the council claiming it was posted in a personal capacity. Reform swept to power on the council in May.
In the same council meeting this week, Reform will vote to rescind the Climate Emergency Declaration made by the council on 20 Februar
Packed with exclusive investigations, analysis, and features
SUBSCRIBE TODAY
Reform's Durham County Council deputy leader Darren Grimes, who has previously described the European Convention on Human Rights as "utterly bent" is now planning to use it in a move which will make it easier to dismiss complaints by voters.
"Beard removal is now 'torture' under the ECHR", Grimes complained on June 25. He's also claimed that "the ECHR still runs our borders" and has mocked Keir Starmer as "the ECHR's biggest fanboy on the world stage".
Grimes has made no secret of his desire to quit the human rights framework, writing in 2024: "Leave the ECHR! Please wake up to how serious this is for democracy!"
But, it now seems Grimes is the ECHR's biggest supporter on the council stage. At least, when it suits.
EXCLUSIVE
Reform's Darren Grimes Accused of Lying After Police Deny Telling Him Not to Hold Council Surgeries for 'Security' Reasons
EXCLUSIVE: Local police have rejected the Reform UK deputy council leader's claim that they advised him not to meet his constituents
Josiah Mortimer
On July 16, at the full council meeting, Grimes will present a motion which will:
Incorporate a principle that there is "no right to not be offended by lawful speech" into the council's Code of Conduct.
Argue that as councillors are "democratically mandated representatives" with constitutional duties, they are not subject to workplace restrictions on (hateful) speech.
Prevent supposedly "vexatious" standards proceedings against councillors for controversial but lawful political views.
Amend complaint procedures to give "particular regard" to enhanced protection for political speech when assessing complaints against councillors.
Call on other North East councils to adopt similar measures to prevent "misuse of standards procedures to silence legitimate political debate"
But the provision which really stands out is this: "When assessing complaints involving freedom of expression, particular regard shall be given to the enhanced protection afforded to political speech under Article 10 ECHR and the democratic mandate of elected members to represent diverse viewpoints within their communities."
Article 10 of the ECHR protects people's right to hold their own opinions and to express them freely without Government interference. The convention is overseen by the Council of Europe and enforcement undertaken by the European Court of Human Rights.
As Byline Times has reported, Grimes has already faced complaints over his inflammatory social media posts - though at least one was swiftly dismissed, with the council claiming it was posted in a personal capacity. Reform swept to power on the council in May.
In the same council meeting this week, Reform will vote to rescind the Climate Emergency Declaration made by the council on 20 Februar
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