Reform councillor speaks out on controversial Ukraine post

A Reform UK Derbyshire county councillor has insisted his support for Ukraine is “absolute, unequivocal and unwavering” following questions raised about a controversial post.

The debate began after a post from a page called “Reform UK Alyn and Deeside and Wrexham” called for the UK to “defund Ukraine”, stop supplying money and weapons to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government, de-escalate and end the war, and lift sanctions on Russia. A Derbyshire resident shared the post and questioned whether this reflected party policy in Derbyshire.

The issue was then put directly to County Councillor Jason Isherwood, who represents Gamesley, Hadfield and Tintwistle, after he was tagged in the online discussion by Labour county councillor Damien Greenhalgh. 

Cllr Greenhalgh also highlighted the issue of Derbyshire County Council no longer flying the Ukrainian flag at County Hall. 

Responding publicly, Cllr Isherwood said the post did not represent Reform UK policy. “Since I have been asked directly, the answer is no: this is not Reform UK policy,” he said. 

He said Reform UK had confirmed that the “Reform UK Alyn and Deeside and Wrexham” account was not an official party page and was run by a supporter with no official position in the party. 

He quoted a party statement which said: “This post is contrary to our policy. We stand fully behind Ukraine against Russia’s brutal invasion.” 

Cllr Isherwood said Reform UK’s current published policy also ringfences bilateral aid to Ukraine and identifies Russia as an ongoing security threat. 

He added that the decision by the Reform-led administration to change the flags displayed at County Hall, meaning the Ukrainian flag is no longer flown routinely, was part of a wider policy concerning all flags displayed on council buildings, and “should not be misrepresented as support for Moscow.” 

He also added that Derbyshire County Council had not adopted a policy to “defund Ukraine” and did not have authority over British military assistance or sanctions against Russia. 

Cllr Isherwood then revealed details of a humanitarian journey he made to Ukraine shortly after Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. 

In a statement, Cllr Isherwood said: 

“On 4th - 10th April 2022, I drove a Volkswagen Transporter across Europe into an area of Ukraine (where the Russians had just left a week earlier) carrying a vanload of trauma kits and first-aid equipment for Ukrainian forces and HARP Rescue, together with sleeping bags for refugee camps in Poland. I travelled without body armour, a helmet or a weapon. 

Living in Northern Ireland I have been in the blast wave of two bombs - one when I was 7 and another when I was 19. I got caught up in an air raid in Ukraine and I honestly thought I was going to be in my third and final bomb blast wave. 

I truly thought I wasn’t coming back and that’s why the real hero is my wife, she is the one who displayed bravery not me, accepting the possibility of raising a family alone. 

Although I made the journey, I did not undertake it without the support of others. 

I owe particular thanks to Mike Bonno, who served as a sergeant with 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Mike supported me throughout the journey and offered calm, practical advice as events unfolded and circumstances changed and inspired me to press on. His experience, encouragement and guidance were invaluable, and I want to record my sincere personal thanks to him. 

After I returned, Lee Harrison of Harrisons MOT serviced the van and discovered that the timing belt was badly split and cracked. Considering the distance travelled and the long periods of sustained motorway driving, it was a miracle of God that it had survived the journey. Lee carried out the service and replaced the timing belt without charge; I had neither asked nor expected him to do that. It was his own quiet contribution, and an act of generosity for which I remain deeply grateful. 

I witnessed something of the chaos and cruelty of war, but also the extraordinary bravery of the Ukrainian people. I saw the best and the worst of humanity. 

I mention this neither for praise nor political advantage, but because my loyalty has been publicly questioned - my support for the Ukrainian people is absolute, unequivocal and unwavering. 

By all means challenge my politics or decisions taken by the council. But allegations that I, or Derbyshire Reform, are “in the pockets of Moscow” are false and should not be made without evidence.”