WARRINGTON'S Conservative Party has proved itself divided over its own call to ban certain artists from a music festival.

A statement provided by the borough council Conservative group explained that is has called on the council to ban certain artists from performing at Neighbourhood Weekender.

The statement was released in response to an artist leading the crowd at 2022's festival in a chant of 'F*** the Tories' - the artist, Jamie Webster, returned to the festival this year, and conducted the same chanting.

Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols attended the festival, and Tweeted that she 'loves' to see the chanting in Warrington.

This led to criticism from some, including the chair of the local Conservative Party, Theo Mirfin, who called on Ms Nichols to resign her seat.

Since then, the Conservative Group released a statement to the Warrington Guardian, which read: "Conservatives believe fundamentally in free speech, but that does not mean that government organisations should actively facilitate anyone engaging in incitement to discrimination, hostility or violence.

"The whole council came together in 2022 to say that debating and disagreeing with one another is a healthy part of democracy, but abuse and intimidation cross the line into dangerous territory.

"The right type of language matters.

"The Conservative Group is now calling on Warrington Borough Council to review the rules and procedures for events that they facilitate on council-owned parks and public spaces, and to ban the very small minority of artists who are willing to use hate speech in their performances.”

Warrington Guardian: The Conservative Group issued a statement calling for the ban of certain artists from the popular music festivalThe Conservative Group issued a statement calling for the ban of certain artists from the popular music festival (Image: Warrington Conservatives)

Warrington Borough Council released a statement explaining that the festival is a positive thing for the town, and that the council does not organise it, nor can it monitor what artists say when given a performance platform.

In the time since this statement was released, both the chair and the president of the local Conservative Party have distanced themselves from the call to ban artists.

Theo Mirfin, the chair of the local party, said: "In light of recent controversy, I stand by my call for Charlotte Nichols MP to resign. It's crucial to remember that those who hold public office ought not to fan the flames of hatred within our communities.

"The need for responsible conduct from our political leaders becomes even more vital in light of our shared history, marred as it is by unfortunate episodes.

"While I am an ardent advocate for free speech, it's essential to underline the importance of context and discretion in public discourse.

"Artists have every right to express themselves through their music and lyrics, even if those expressions may be provocative or controversial. They help to fuel debates, challenge perspectives and add texture to the cultural fabric of society."

Warrington Guardian: Mr Mirfin has called for Ms Nichols to resign her seat, though does not support the calls to ban artists from the festivalMr Mirfin has called for Ms Nichols to resign her seat, though does not support the calls to ban artists from the festival (Image: Theo Mirfin)

Mr Mirfin added: "That said, Charlotte Nichols MP, who has been elected to represent us, shoulders a heavier burden. Her words carry weight, shaping public opinion and affecting the very fabric of our society.

"Therefore, it is her duty to foster an environment of peace and unity, not to sow seeds of division and discord. We need our leaders to think before they speak and consider the potential ramifications of their words.

"This is not just an expectation, but an imperative for those who wish to lead."

The president of the local party, Cllr Wendy Maisey, said: "

Charlotte Nichols MP has made many faux pas on social media, and she really needs to understand that words have repercussions.

"I asked a young member of the Conservatives at the weekend to come out and deliver leaflets with me. 

"Their response was that after the Neighbourhood Weekender tweet where the MP seemed to support [anti-Conservative] chanting, they were very concerned about repercussions.

"This is obviously bad for democracy at a time when we need to encourage young people to positively engage in local politics as they may well be the next generation of councillors for our town."

Clarifying her position on calls to ban certain artists, Cllr Maisey said: "I believe in free speech.  

"In this instance, it’s the MP for Warrington North who should be adjusting her continued erratic behaviour and leading by example."

Warrington Guardian: Cllr Maisey has also distanced herself from the calls to ban artists from Neighbourhood WeekenderCllr Maisey has also distanced herself from the calls to ban artists from Neighbourhood Weekender (Image: Wendy Maisey)

Charlotte Nichols MP said: "These histrionics from Warrington Conservatives are just another attempt to distract from the issues facing the people of Warrington, not least the cost of living crisis and NHS emergency into which they have plunged our country.

I will not take lectures from these people whose poisonous infighting, antisemitism and homophobia have defined the lowest public debate.

“While the Tories double down on this non-story, they should instead reflect that the bad reception that they receive on the doorsteps is nothing to do with my tweets, and everything to do with their shameful record of failure over the past thirteen years.

"If they want to engage young people, they should join my calls for a general election now so that we can elect a new government to finally give hope to the next generation.”