Sudbury councillor’s move to Reform UK ‘unsurprising’

Philip Faircloth-Mutton, who left the Conservatives to join Nigel Farage’s party last week, says he believes in “freedom of expression” after concerns were raised by pantomime Mama G.

The councillor, who abdicated his position as cabinet member for environment, communities and equality in the move, has clashed with the LGBTQ+ advocate since her events at Suffolk libraries were cancelled in August in a “political decision” by the administration.

Mama G was set to perform at Haverhill, Stowmarket, Lowestoft and Gainsborough Library near Ipswich.

Mama G has been performing in Suffolk for the last seven years.(Image: Newsquest)

In response to the Reform move, Mama G says she was “not surprised” given his “anti-trans rhetoric” and approach to managing her case.

She said: “His statement on the cancellation of my performances in Suffolk was very clear in its anti-trans rhetoric.

“I was always concerned that the former cabinet minister for equality held these views, as he actively saw parts of his community as unequal to him and his party.

“I hope that cllr Faircloth-Mutton’s replacement will remember that they represent everyone.

“Everyone deserves to be treated equally and with humanity.”

She also raised concerns about Reform’s “publicly negative views on the LGBTQIA+ community”, but noted that she was “happy for him” that he has been welcomed into a party that is “so proudly vocal on these matters”.

While Suffolk County Council initially argued that delays were purely due to safety concerns, cllr Faircloth-Mutton later announced her performances “crossed the line between a traditional pantomime dame and more controversial gender identity advocacy”.

Cllr Philip Faircroft-Mutton was formerly Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for environment, communities and equality(Image: Suffolk County Council)

In response to Mama G’s comments, cllr Faircloth-Mutton said: “Reform UK believes in freedom of expression, maintaining neutrality, and supporting human rights. 

“It has always been my mission to represent my constituents to the best of my ability, and I feel confident Reform UK gives me that power. 

“We believe that everyone has the right to express their views, have their own sexual preferences, and live their lives in any way they like.

“However, we don’t see any reason to promote gender identity advocacy to children in publicly funded buildings. That is why Mama G’s event was cancelled.”