My name is Simon Evans and I am Reform UK's Deputy Leader & Cabinet Member for Children and Families in Lancashire County Council. I am suing my ex-employer Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council for unfair dismissal and belief discrimination.

What happened

I worked for Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council from 2015 until May 2025 as their Anti-Social Behaviour Manager. I believe I was forced to resign in May this year because I am a Reform UK Councillor and Member and my views and beliefs were simply not allowed.

My views can be summed up as anti-woke, gender critical and against large scale immigration and protecting our borders.  That's why I'm Reform UK through and through. 

Shortly after the Supreme Court decision of For Women Scotland, Sefton sent an email around on their Hate Crime Joint Action Group saying that if any trans person was stopped from going into any toilet, Merseyside Police would be called. I was shocked that they were willing to ignore the Supreme Court ruling and women's privacy and safety. 

On another occasion, whilst working from home, I was on a group Zoom meeting wearing a Reform UK t-shirt. Shortly after the meeting I was told by my manager that I couldn't wear the t-shirt again during a meeting. This is despite other workers throughout my 10 year history wearing all sorts of t-shirts with all sorts of political or football messaging.

During the 2024 general election, I stood for Reform UK in West Lancashire. When I came back to work in July, I was suspended for 3 months and investigated for 7 on some trumped up charges, then issued with a written warning but I completely deny any wrongdoing. I believe that this was simply to make my life as unpleasant as possible to make me leave, all because I stood for Reform UK - the process was the punishment.  

In May 2025, I was elected councillor for Skelmersdale. 2 weeks later, it was clear to me that I was simply not wanted at the council because I was a Reform UK councillor. So I sent an email to senior management enquiring about how to end my time as amicably as possible. Immediately, I was sent an aggressive email telling me that I needed to confirm whether or not this was my last day. I was so shocked by this treatment that I decided that because of my beliefs I was simply not wanted and so forced to resigned. 

When I was returning my equipment, one of the Labour councillors walked through the lobby, saw me and said "O here he is, f**king Reform, turn coat, we all heard about you".  This is despite the fact I have never been a Labour party member. It was so clear to me that I had been pushed out because of my beliefs. 

My manager then took me to a cafe and told me Sefton had been spying on my social media Reform account for some time. 

Why I am raising funds

I have now issued my claim for unfair dismissal and belief discrimination.  I claim that the reason I was forced to resign was because I am a Reform UK councillor and member and they didn't want me in woke progressive Sefton council.  I am hoping to raise an initial £1,500 to help pay for my initial legal fees. My solicitor is Elliot Hammer from Branch Austin McCormick LLP who specialises in freedom of belief and speech employment law cases.

My stretch goal is £50,000. I hope to be able to take Sefton all the way to a trial so an impartial tribunal make a ruling as to whether or not my beliefs and being a councillor for Reform UK were the reason I was put under investigation and forced into leaving. 

Currently I am unemployed, and only have the income from my elected positions to support me and my family. I don't have the money to fight a local council with all of its resources on my own. 

At the moment Reform UK are leading the polls with around 35% support and increasing all the time. The country is now ready for real change. Ensuring freedom of speech and belief will be a massive part of that. 

Everybody is struggling at the moment so please only give what you can afford and I am truly grateful for anything you can spare. I would also be very grateful if you would share this crowd funder and talk about it with your family and friends.