Bolsover Council Leader Cleared of Homophobia Allegations by External Investigation

Steve Fritchley, the Labour leader of Bolsover District Council in Derbyshire, has been exonerated by an inquiry regarding accusations of making homophobic comments directed at a former Conservative Member of Parliament. Fritchley had faced allegations of “repeatedly using” a homophobic slur against Mark Fletcher when Fletcher was the Conservative candidate for the constituency during the general election. Nevertheless, Fritchley maintains an administrative suspension from the Labour Party. The party’s internal inquiry into its leader is still active and, according to BBC understanding, encompasses a broader range of issues. He informed the BBC that he had no knowledge of any additional investigations. Although an external council investigation concluded that Fritchley did not harbor homophobic intentions when employing the term, it did determine that the leader had violated the Nolan Principles of public life, specifically the principle “to lead by example in a way that secures public confidence,” as stated by the investigation. During a council meeting this week, the Labour leader issued a statement indicating his intention to provide further details in January concerning his future as the council’s leader. He also denied to the BBC that he had experienced pressure to resign due to the accusations. The inquiry established that the allegation stemmed from a government meeting attended by Mark Fletcher, who was then the Conservative MP for Bolsover, and a junior minister. The minister reportedly remarked that Fletcher resembled “Puff, the Magic Dragon” due to his vaping habit. “Puff the magic dragon” is the title of a folk song that was released in the 1960s. Fritchley was not present at that specific meeting. However, it was alleged that he subsequently recounted the incident within a homophobic context to an individual, within earshot of a member of the public. This member of the public later informed Fletcher about the matter when they encountered each other during the general election campaign. Fritchley informed the council that the investigation concluded that “this language was used in the context of reciting details relating to the vaping incident and the fantasy song referred to earlier, and that I did not intend such language to be homophobic.” The BBC comprehends that the core of the allegation revolved around the conviction held by some individuals that Fritchley’s employment of the word “puff” was intentionally reminiscent of a homophobic slur. Fletcher, who served as the MP for Bolsover from 2019 to 2024, has previously discussed his sexuality and his experience of coming out during his school years in Parliament. On July 5, Fritchley underwent an interview under police caution, after which it was determined that no further action would be pursued. In a statement delivered to the council, Fritchley asserted that it was “genuinely not my intention” to be homophobic. He further stated, “However, I do accept the findings that this language could be perceived by someone unaware of the context to be homophobic.” “It was unwise of me to use this language at the meeting without explaining the context.” He conveyed to the BBC: “I’m not homophobic…anyone that knows me can verify that.” “To me, ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ denotes someone who’s living in a fantasy world.” “I regret that I repeated it…I regret the damage that’s been done to the reputation of Bolsover District Council.” “I ought to recognise that not everybody shares my knowledge, experience, use of vernacular…I am what I am.” He conceded to the BBC that the relationship between himself and Fletcher had worsened in recent years. Fletcher informed the BBC that he would refrain from making any comments. A spokesperson for the Labour Party stated: “Councillor Steve Fritchley was administratively suspended in June 2024 pending a formal investigation. We will not be able to comment any further while the investigation is ongoing.”