A row has broken out between Zia Yusuf and Warwickshire Council's CEO Monica Fogarty over which flags to fly over Shire Hall.
Zia Yusuf has published an email between Monica Fogarty and George Finch, temporary leader of the council.
Zia Yusuf posted the following email:
Monica Fogarty
To: George Finch
Flag for follow up. Completed on 27/06/2025.
OFFICIAL
Reply Reply all Forward
Fri 27/06/2025 09:42
Dear George,
I am afraid I will not be taking the action that you are requesting.
Hitherto the decisions around which flags to fly at Shire Hall have been left to me as CEO. This has been the custom and practice for the duration of my tenure as CEO and I have never received a request or instruction from an elected member or the Leader on such a matter.
The Pride flag has been flown annually during Pride month for many years and I see no reason to diverge from this approach.
I had agreed with Councillor Howard that both the flag of St. George and the Pride flag would be flown and in my view that arrangement continues.
This council does not have a formal policy around decision making on the flying of flags and should you wish to promote the introduction of such a policy then this would be a matter to be agreed as an Executive Decision. The Union Flag is flying over old Shire Hall, as it does permanently.
The Armed Forces Flag is also flying this week in recognition of Armed Forces Week.
The Pride Flag is due to come down after the coming weekend at which point the Ukrainian Flag will be lifted again.
Given that there are currently three flags only at the front of Shire Hall there is then a decision as to whether the Union or the County Flag can be hoisted.
Regards, Monica
Monica Fogarty
Chief Executive
Warwickshire County Council
Tel: 01926 412514
www.warwickshire.gov.uk
https://twitter.com/ZiaYusufUK/status/1939749027329057280
