PATRIOTS ACCIDENTALLY MAKE POPPIES NEED A PERMISSION SLIP
Reform's Walsall leader drew up a council dress code so carefully crafted that, as written, councillors would have had to notify the chair before wearing a poppy, a flag pin badge or a military medal – the three things Reform councillors are mainly made of. A last-minute amendment removed them, but the whole thing was rejected anyway as unenforceable, with opponents calling it 'showboating' and 'clumsy'. Next week: a motion requiring advance notice before saluting.
THE BORING BIT: WHAT THE REAL REPORT SAYS
Walsall's Reform leader Elaine Williams proposed a councillor dress code that, as drafted, required members to notify the chair before wearing poppies, flag pin badges or military medals; she made a last-minute amendment removing them; opponents called it 'showboating' and 'clumsy' and it was rejected as unenforceable.
Our short summary of the original – read the full report for context. Everything above it is satire.
REAL STORY Express & Star · 21 Oct 2026: “Reform’s ’embarrassing’ Walsall Council dress code rejected following controversy”
Gaffe-o-Meter: Elaine Williams · Outfit: Reform UK