Leader George Finch is calling for Warwickshire County Council staff to resist the urge to "celebrate everything" in the authority's name – including Black History Month.

A review is underway into promotional activity at the Reform UK-led council's libraries and public buildings with the aim of providing assurance that they are "politically impartial, family-friendly, age-appropriate and trusted by all residents".

That followed a statement released by Cllr Finch in June that alleged Warwickshire libraries were "promoting contested gender ideology", something that prompted a backlash and a 50-strong protest outside the council's Shire Hall headquarters.

Cllr Finch and portfolio holder for resources and internal affairs Cllr Mike Bannister both referenced verbal concerns from members of the public over displays during Pride month – June – featuring books related to the experiences of the gay and trans community.

In an interview with the Local Democracy Reporting Service last week, Cllr Finch was unrelenting in his stance, beginning by insisting that the review had not been launched due to influence from Reform UK's national arm.

Other Reform-led councils have gone down a similar route and while Cllr Finch acknowledged he "knows what this is going to look like", he insisted: "There was no co-ordination at all."

A stand against stands

"I walk through Nuneaton and Bedworth a lot and speak to a lot of parents. There is a big concern there," said Cllr Finch.

"It is not just about libraries, it is about the education system as a whole and schools in particular. With libraries it is about those books that shouldn't be for reading by children, they should be more in an adult section or at the back and not displayed at the front at children's height like in Kenilworth library and Rugby library.

"I don't think it is appropriate for children to read books like that."

Asked which books he was referring to, Cllr Finch replied: "I believe that there should not be promotional displays of, quite frankly, any political or questioned subjects in that realm.

"It is a taxpayer-funded building, it should be neutral. I don't agree with a Black History Month stand because history is history, you shouldn't (limit) black history to just one month – that's wrong.

"So many people have done so much good across the world in history and we confine black history to just one month. That's not fair with other communities, I don't see Jewish history month.

"That is why I don't advocate for any of these 'days', it separates people. We have a global history and we should celebrate that.

"We should question where things were wrong. The world has done some crazy stuff, we should learn from those mistakes and not hide from them or question why they are being taught.

"Teaching of history should be a balanced view, not one sided like it has been for a while now – 'Britain is bad, we owned a third of the world, owned people, owned slaves'. That was years ago. Why aren't we talking about the positives of the British Empire as well? They don't, again it is that kind of left-wing thought. That's why it shouldn't be in libraries either."

He stressed that he was seeking to ban any books but that those wishing to seek out certain material would "do it themselves".

"I doubt many people that are gay or lesbian who are coming out would ask a member of library staff where the book is. I'd bet you they would search it up (online) in today's world," said Cllr Finch.

"I doubt they would feel comfortable, so why would there need to be a display?

"They should be in with the rest of them and if they seek to find a book, fine. I'm not banning them, I never said that, I have said to put them where it is appropriate.

"What isn't appropriate (is) for contested gender ideology (to be) by children's books. It is simple.

"I think they should be in age-appropriate areas but they shouldn't be banned or taken out of libraries, I am not saying that."

What library staff said

Cllr Finch confirmed he had spoken to county council library staff in Warwick and Bedworth about their views on displays.

"They feel that a display will celebrate everything but my point of view is that a display in a taxpayer-funded library shouldn't be politically persuaded or support an organisation over another in that way," he said.

"Libraries shouldn't have those display platforms or promotional stands near children's sections, they should be in the appropriate aisle where young people to find them if they wish to."

Put to him that removing displays recognising groups that have been marginalised in the past could give a negative impression, Cllr Finch strongly disagreed.

"No. It clearly doesn't," he said.

"The LGBTQ+ community are five per cent of the UK population. I believe councils, public buildings, children's centres, libraries, should not be promoting those sorts of things.

"We should be neutral to allow children to freely think. If they feel that way then they can ask for advice but it shouldn't be there (on display) for them to think 'What's that?'

"Sexuality, gender, whatever, parents are the best people to speak to about this – not teachers, not library staff, parents.

"You are a family and families should love one another no matter the circumstances or changes you go through, you should still be loved.

"I am not advocating for people being judged any differently."

Put to him that does not happen in every family, Cllr Finch replied: "That is why safeguards are there.

"I totally disagree with hiding social transitioning, teachers telling children 'you don't have to tell your parents if you transition in school'.

"If those issues happen where parents don't like the kids for that decision – which is awful – then you have social services to step in. You have safeguards in place to protect those young people.

"We should just judge people on being nice, kind, caring and respectful, not on the colour of their skin or sexuality."

Stiff upper lip

The leader also implied that the personal views may be playing a part in what happens or is displayed in council settings.

"I think we've lost our touch," argued Cllr Finch.

"We're British, we're meant to have that stiff upper lip. Our personal is personal and what you want to do in your spare time, I don't care.

"When you come to work, you work. You get paid to do your job, you don't get paid to sit at lunchtimes waving flags. It is not what you should be doing.

"We have a job to do for taxpayers. If you want to do it in the private sector, do what you like. In the public sector, the taxpayer pays your wages so I don't think it is appropriate for them to be doing things like that."