A Leicestershire councillor has apologised for his conduct after he made an "inappropriate" post about a council employee having a trans-coloured lanyard.

Reform UK cabinet boss Michael Squires, who represents the Valley division, has issued an apology after he singled out a council employee for wearing a blue, pink and white lanyard on a recruitment post in October 2025.

The Leicestershire County Council post on Facebook asked for people with experience "driving large goods vehicles and forklifts" and showed a council employee wearing a trans-coloured lanyard.

Two complaints were made against Cllr Squires around the post which were "likely to have had an adverse impact on staff and the county council's reputation".

In the apology, Cllr Squires said that his intention was "to comment on what I saw as a matter of public policy and the presentation of neutrality within public authorities".

He added: "I recognise that my post was inappropriate in the context in which it was made.

"In particular, I accept that the post involved an identifiable member of staff who was acting in accordance with council policy.

"Regardless of my intention, I acknowledge that my comment could reasonably be perceived as a criticism of that individual, and I regret any distress or upset this may have caused.

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"Though I did feel that I had worded it in a way which avoided any criticism of the individual, I accept that it has not been perceived in that sense, and accept responsibility for that. When I was contacted and asked to remove the post, I did so immediately.

"I would like to offer a clear and unreserved apology to the member of staff and to any other complainants. It was never my intention to cause offence or to single out any individual, and I am sorry that my actions had that effect.

"At the time of posting this, I was only five months into the role. It can be challenging for new councillors with no political experience as we have to consider that what we post is legal, meets the code of conduct, is politically relevant, does not breach the member/officer protocol, and is in line with party ideology if a councillor is a member of a political party, as I am. I got it wrong on this occasion.

"Since this incident, I have very recently undertaken social media and code of conduct training and have reflected carefully on the code of conduct standards expected of me as a councillor.

"I have been provided with a fully copy of the code of conduct which I have read – twice. I am committed to ensuring that my future conduct reflects those standards. This will not reoccur."

In a comment to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Squires said: "Reposting something that included an identifiable member of staff could be considered by some as perhaps not the absolute perfection of diplomatic finesse, and I've acknowledged that.

"However, I make no apology whatsoever for arguing that public servants, paid by the taxpayer, should remain politically neutral. That's not an extreme view.

"It's basic common sense that the vast majority of the British public completely agree with. I have a duty to represent the views of my constituents who have overwhelmingly supported my view on this matter.

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"I have never once been found in breach of the Councillors' Code of Conduct, including on this occasion. The Conduct Committee have reviewed this matter dating back almost nine months and made no finding of misconduct.

"On this occasion, I've instructed the Conduct Committee to issue an apology on my behalf.

"Frankly, as far as I'm concerned, the matter is now closed".