Anna Jameson
BBC News, Manchester
Cheshire West and Chester Council
Amanda Clare will appear at Chester Crown Court in December
Reform UK councillor Amanda Clare has denied assaulting a security guard at a Pride event earlier this year.
The councillor, who represents Winsford Dene on Cheshire West and Chester Council, was arrested at the town’s LGBTQ+ event on 28 June.
Appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court, the 54-year-old, from Malpas, pleaded not guilty to assaulting security guard Richard Welsh and damaging his camera.
The councillor told the court she had acted in self-defence. Last month, she was suspended from her job working for Runcorn and Helsby Reform MP Sarah Pochin pending criminal proceedings.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Ms Pochin said: “On June 29 we were made aware of serious allegations involving a member of staff.
“She was immediately suspended from her position pending the outcome of the investigation.
“We operate a zero-tolerance policy towards any suggestion of disorderly or inappropriate conduct.
“While we fully respect the right to due process and a fair hearing, it would not be appropriate for the individual to continue in her role at this time.”
‘A disturbance’
Clare was a member of the Labour Party when she was first elected in Winsford Dene ward in 2019, but left in March 2022 to join the Socialist Labour Party.
She then became a member of the Party of Women, before joining the Winsford Salt of the Earth Party, ultimately settling as an Independent in July 2024.
She joined Reform UK in March this year.
Cheshire Constabulary said it was called to reports of a “disturbance” at the Winsford Pride event at 16.30 BST on 28 June.
A statement by Cheshire Police and the Crown Prosecution Service said: “We would like to remind everyone that criminal proceedings against Clare are live and that she has a right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice ongoing proceedings.”
Judge John McGarva granted Clare bail on the grounds she does not contact Mr Richard Welsh.
The case has been adjourned until December, and will be heard at Chester Crown Court.