A dispute has emerged over the introduction of a new taxpayer-funded flag, set to be unveiled during Gloucester Day tomorrow (September 5).
Gloucester City Council plans to fly this new flag outside North Warehouse as part of the annual event commemorating the lifting of the 1643 siege on the city during the First English Civil War. The council leadership believes the flag, costing £150.84, will serve as a lasting emblem of civic pride, highlighting Gloucester’s distinct heritage and identity.
However, opposition councillors have criticised the decision, noting they have not been shown the design, which has also been withheld from the press until the official unveiling. Given that the council requested a government emergency bailout of up to £15 million earlier this year, critics question the appropriateness of spending on the flag.
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They have also raised concerns about why Liberal Democrat leader Jeremy Hilton (Kingsholm and Wotton) will be raising the flag instead of the Mayor of Gloucester, a departure from tradition.
Labour group leader Terry Pullen (Moreland) criticised the council’s financial priorities: “The council faces £15.5 million in government debt, and yet Cllr Hilton is investing time and money in a new flag. There are far more pressing issues to address.” He also mentioned disputes over who should raise the flag during the ceremony, expressing concern over public perception of the council’s priorities.
Conservative group leader Stephanie Chambers (Quedgeley Fieldcourt) echoed these sentiments, highlighting the council’s financial challenges and emphasising the traditional role of the Mayor and Sheriff in ceremonial duties. “The Mayor represents the city at civic occasions and should carry out these duties. The council leader should focus on more significant matters.”
Community Independent councillor Alastair Chambers (Matson, Robinswood and White City) added that Gloucester Day celebrations traditionally involve the Mayor raising the flag alongside the Town Crier, Alan Myatt. He criticised the decision for creating a new flag and having the council leader raise it, especially when the Liberal Democrat budget did not properly fund Gloucester Day, requiring independent groups to secure funding.
The council has confirmed that the flag’s cost was covered by the city council’s events budget approved earlier this year. A spokesperson described the expenditure as a “very small investment in a symbol of civic pride” that will be used for Gloucester Day and other events in the future.
They stated: “Gloucester Day is a cherished tradition that unites communities to celebrate our unique heritage and identity. We believe the new flag will be a powerful symbol of this pride for years to come. We look forward to everyone joining us to celebrate both our remarkable history and Gloucester’s exciting transformation into a city suited for the 21st century.”