Summary
A local newspaper has started a legal action against a county council leader from Reform UK for banning its journalists. The leader, Mick Barton, had stopped communicating with the journalists since August. The newspaper argues that the ban is illegal and violates freedom of expression laws.
Key Facts
- The Nottingham Post and Nottinghamshire Live face a communication ban from Nottinghamshire County Council leader Mick Barton since August.
- The legal challenge is led by a law firm on behalf of the newspaper's publisher, Reach.
- The council previously prevented sharing press releases and denied invitations to the publication.
- Barton's ban was lifted for BBC-funded Local Democracy Reporting Service reporters after a private meeting.
- The newspaper claims the ban violates local government rules and freedom of expression rights.
- Reform UK leaders, including Richard Tice and Nigel Farage, have commented on the ban.
- The council has not publicly responded to the legal challenge at the time of reporting.
