Elected representatives unlawfully removed from office following media comment/tweets
The High Court has ruled that the Police Federation of England and Wales acted unlawfully in suspending two elected Federation Chairs — and banning one from seeking re-election — over remarks they made on GB News and on social media about racism in policing.
After a four-day hearing the High Court found that the suspensions and subsequent restrictions on their ability to stand for office were unjustified, disproportionate, and in breach of their rights to free speech.
The amenability of the Police Federation to judicial review was a hotly contested issue in the litigation until the Defendant conceded it on day 1 of the hearing.
At the heart of the case were issues of the free speech of elected representatives on matters of public importance, the role of the right to freedom of expression in quasi-disciplinary procedures, and cancel culture.
Nick Stanage represented Sergeant Richard Cooke, unlawfully removed Chair of the West Midlands Police Federation, instructed by Deborah Ross of 3D Solicitors.
