A north Warwickshire author has urged politicians to leave the county's librarians to their work and halt a "Trumpian" bandwagon over displays.

Warwickshire County Council leader Cllr George Finch sparked controversy by alleging that libraries had been "promoting contested gender ideology" and launching a review into what is displayed and promoted in a range of county-run buildings.

It centres around the stands put up by libraries for Pride month, showcasing books alongside pictures of a Pride flag.

Comedy author Heide Goody, a member of several book clubs in Warwickshire, including Atherstone, was among 50 protestors outside Shire Hall, Warwick, when the terms of reference for the review were discussed by a scrutiny panel last week.

Portfolio holder for resources and internal affairs Cllr Mike Bannister, whose remit includes libraries, told that panel that the review would examine "how materials are displayed, how events, promotions and material are approved".

However, Ms Goody, who addressed the panel to ask for assurance as to how staff would be able to "continue using their professional expertise", argued that librarians should be free to exercise judgement on what is displayed and how without political interference.

"The fact that we get exposed to books we would not have picked up ourselves, that is just the tip of the iceberg," she said.

"The intellectual encouragement that librarians give, because they know what they are doing, they know the material and they know the people, (comes from them being) uniquely positioned. They are the only ones who can make these choices.

"We are talking about curation and how that is done is part of what librarians do – I trust them, and I trust them more than I trust people (councillors) sitting here.

"I don't know whether these people go to libraries, face these people and those decisions. I know that librarians do and they are the only ones that can be doing this.

"This is a bandwagon. They have been so non-specific and lit a few fires under people. Personally, I think it is a very Trumpian approach, that thing where you just blather and say very little, just blow the dog whistle for people who are easily excited."

Ms Goody's question on the freedoms of library staff was not directly addressed by Cllr Bannister in the meeting as he sought to round up concerns raised by a number of speakers in a 12-minute speech.

He was later criticised for being dismissive towards protestors but he did also speak of his respect for council staff.

"Our library staff are respected," said Cllr Bannister.

"I respect our library staff. I respect the professionalism of our library staff and I know that if we have an issue about a particular book, it will go through the proper procedures.

"We are alleging no misconduct by anyone and we are not approaching this with a predetermined conclusion."

That comment inspired chuckles from the public gallery which Cllr Bannister referenced before asking: "Made your minds up, have you? Well we haven't."

Cllr Finch was asked by scrutiny to consider allowing the review to involve councillor from other parties and not just his own. He has been approached for comment on that and in relation to Ms Goody's comments.