Meetings to end with national anthem at Reform-led council

Read more: My spiky encounter with Burnham during a day on the stump with Reform's plumberSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy ADAM POGRUND, REPORTER Published: 00:08 BST, 22 May 2026 | Updated: 00:15 BST, 22 May 2026

Reform's flagship council has voted through changes to introduce the Lord's Prayer and the national anthem at meetings for 'patriotism and heritage'.Members at Kent County Council have approved updates to its constitution, following a vote on Thursday.It means council meetings will start with the recital of the Lord's Prayer and end with singing of the national anthem.Putting forward the move, Reform UK councillor Christopher Hespe said: 'We are a Christian monarchy, and this is about standards, it's about patriotism, it's about heritage and it's about our roots. It's about grounding us and accepting that we have duties and responsibilities.'Council officers have been prompted to ensure the approved recommendations can be introduced in a lawful way.But Labour group leader Alister Brady opposed the motion, telling councillors that many 'religious' and 'patriotic' residents 'told me they see this as performative politics, and this proposal should be seen as an embarrassment'.He added: 'The council should be getting on with their jobs.' Meanwhile, some opposition members, such as Restore Britain's Oliver Bradshaw, said he supported the motion, with a word of warning: 'I do not want my religion turned into your prop. Reform's flagship council has voted through changes to introduce the Lord's Prayer and the national anthem at meetings for 'patriotism and heritage''Let us ensure this is a genuine act of respect for faith, not as a piece of political theatre and posturing.'Other changes approved included cutting the time allowed for opposition party leaders to respond at meetings, with a minimum limit of two minutes each.But Restore Britain's group deputy leader, Maxine Fothergill, said she did not believe cutting opposition speaking time while expanding ceremonial additions 'sends the right message'.