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Reform’s Darren Grimes Seeks Help From European Convention on Human Rights After Previously Calling It ‘Utterly Bent’

EXCLUSIVE: The former GB News host wants to rely on the same European laws he has campaigned against

Screengrab: Darren Grimes has long raged against the ECHR, including on his GB News show

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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.

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On July 16, at the full council meeting, Grimes will present a motion which will:

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. 

One of Grimes’ motions being voted on this Wednesday. It is highly likely to pass. Screengrab: Durham County Council

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 February 2019. It will become the first council to do so.

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Protesters will gather outside Durham’s County Hall on Wednesday, with local campaigners calling on others to “bring your flags, banners and placards along to Durham County Hall from 9am before the full council meeting”. 

“Let’s show Reform the strength of feeling about their decision making so far and how we feel about their agenda for the meeting which includes motions to change the councillor code of conduct to allow more heinous divisive rhetoric and one to deny the climate crisis,” a Stand Up to Racism organiser said.

A Green councillor said that while the motions are set to pass given Nigel Farage’s party’s domination of the council, it will “expose the real Reform”. 

A selection of the many, many X posts from Grimes railing against the ECHR

With thanks to our readers as ever for story tips. Do you live in a Reform-run council area? Get in touch in confidence on josiah@bylinetimes.com 

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Josiah Mortimer also writes the On the Ground column, exclusive to the print edition of Byline Times.

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