10/06/2026
π’π’π’
π³οΈβπ St Helens Borough Council has withdrawn its support for Pride after Council Leader Dr George Woodward announced that officers have been instructed to cease engagement with all aspects of the event.
In a statement published on Facebook, Woodward said the council would no longer support or promote Pride, arguing that celebrations of sexuality are not an appropriate use of council resources and expressing concerns about what he described as Pride's association with "left-wing political leanings" and "transgender ideology."
He added that individuals, charities and businesses remain free to support the event independently.
The move marks a significant shift in the council's approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion.