Drag performers have boycotted a Pride event after discovering the organiser is a gay Reform UK councillor.
Daniel Burcham, who is organising the August event, was elected to Norfolk County Council last month after taking the Attleborough seat with 49% of the vote.
The controversy began after Mr Burcham shared a Facebook advert (now deleted) that featured images of drag performers from previous events. Several of those featured say they never gave permission for their images to be used.
Following that, more than ten drag artists said they would refuse to take part in Attleborough Pride, accusing Reform UK of being “hostile” to the LGBT+ community.
At the same time, polling from More in Common suggests Reform UK currently has notable support among gay and bisexual men, with 25% backing the party—placing it ahead of the Green Party in that group.
Responding to the boycott, Mr Burcham told the Eastern Daily Press: “Sexuality does not automatically determine political beliefs, and no political movement has the right to claim ownership of an entire community.
“It is deeply disappointing that what should be a positive, inclusive community event has become so heavily politicised.”
However, one drag performer, using the name Stealia Jobs, warned against involvement while Reform remains part of the picture.
“Small-town Prides are definitely necessary in this day and age – but it’s a question of morals,” they said.
“This could change if he leaves Reform. But until something changes, we’re not going back.”
They added that working with someone linked to a party they believe campaigns against LGBT+ rights felt unacceptable and went against what Pride stands for.
Backlash has also grown over decisions by Reform-led councils to remove LGBT+ flags from official buildings.
Zane Brightwell, who has helped run the local Pride for four years, said: “There is no pride without acceptance, and we cannot accept the mission Reform has.”
He also criticised the councillor’s stance on Pride flags, saying it undermines the community’s struggle and encourages divisive politics.
Mr Burcham defended the decision to stop flying the Pride flag at Norfolk County Council, saying opposition to it was not anti-gay.
“As a proud gay Reform councillor, I reject the suggestion that opposition to flying the Pride flag from county hall is somehow anti-gay,” he said.
“The Pride flag does not represent me, nor does it represent many other gay people.”
After the flag decision, some council staff began wearing Pride badges and displaying rainbow symbols on their computers in protest.
Unison representative Kris Holt said there was “a strong sense of disappointment” among staff, calling the move a “calculated snub”.
Reform UK recently took control of Norfolk County Council after winning 40 of 84 seats in the 2026 local elections. Rupert Lowe’s Great Yarmouth First group won nine seats, leaving Reform just short of an outright majority.
