Darren Grimes responds to comments made at Durham Pride

The Reform councillor last August said it had turned into a display of “political activism” rather than being about gay rights when his administration said it would not be funding future Pride events.

Cllr Grimes said at the time: “Pride stopped being a celebration of gay rights a long time ago. It’s morphed into a travelling billboard for gender ideology and political activism that many in the gay community — myself included — want no part of.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t be bankrolling it.”

As the event returned over the weekend (Saturday, May 30 to Sunday, May 31), Maria Exall, national executive member of Communications Workers Union criticised the former GB News host as she appeared on stage.

Speaking on stage at Durham Pride she said: “As unions, we are against hate. We are against transphobic hate, against homophobic hate.

Deputy leader of Durham County Council, cllr Darren Grimes (Image: Stuart Boulton)

“As unions, we are against division, against those who say our rights are contested causes.

“Thank you, we know who we’re talking about… Darren.

“We are not contested causes, we are people with human rights, we are people entitled to live our lives free and safely.”

Responding to Ms Exall, Cllr Grimes posted on Facebook: “I see I’m popular at Durham Pride this year!

“I will always stand up for taxpayers and women and girls against this cult.”

Durham Pride 2026 was the biggest-ever, with 3,000 people attending the celebrations.

This year’s event carried added significance following Durham County Council’s decision to withdraw funding.

In response, trade unions stepped in, raising more than £15,500 to cover the shortfall.

The vibrant parade, which once again celebrated love, diversity and inclusion, started at Palace Green at 11am, before heading down through Owengate and into Saddler Street.

The procession moved into the Market Place before continuing along Claypath and looping via Providence Row and Freemans Place to reach The Sands.