Reform UK will allow only Union Jacks or Crosses of St George to be flown in the 10 councils they now control after their stonking success at the local elections. That means that Ukrainian flags, which have become a fixture above council buildings across the country since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, will have to come down.

“No other flags will be permitted to be flown on its flagpoles, balconies, reception desks or council chamber walls,” Chairman Zia Yusuf said. Besides Ukraine flags, pride flags won't be flown over Reform-controlled councils either. After the May 1 vote, insurgents Reform took control of Durham, Kent, Lancashire, Staffordshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Doncaster, North Northamptonshire, West Northamptonshire and Lincolnshire. Labour MP Mike Tapp tenuously suggested the decision was indicative of Reform leader Nigel Farage's support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, despite Mr Farage voicing his objection to the tyrant's invasion and publicly supporting Ukraine.

The Labour MP said: "As VE Day reminds us, Britain has a proud history of working with allies to defeat dictators and tyrants.

“It tells you all you need to know about Nigel Farage’s Reform that their very first act after winning elections is to ban the Ukrainian flag from our town halls, in this of all weeks.

"But while it is sickening, it should come as no surprise: Farage told us that Vladimir Putin is the world leader he most admires.

"Farage and Reform councillors should stop sucking up to Moscow and drop their ban on flying the Ukrainian flag immediately."

Labour MP James Frith made a similarly baseless accusation: "On VE Day, we remember Britain’s proud tradition of standing with allies against tyrants.

"It speaks volumes that Reform’s first act after their election gains is to ban the Ukrainian flag in the very week we honour the fight against dictatorship.

“"arage and his councillors should stop pandering to Moscow and scrap this disgraceful ban now.”

A Reform spokesman said: “Reform UK will proudly fly the union jack, St George’s flag and county flags. Unlike Labour, we are proud of our country and history."