Overview

• Barton ordered the boycott on August 26, cutting interviews, press releases and event invitations to Nottinghamshire Live and BBC-funded LDRS reporters, with access limited to emergencies while public meetings remain open.
• Reform’s local statement broadened the stance by saying the group would also refuse engagement with any outlet it judges to consistently misrepresent its policies or actions.
• Deputy leader Richard Tice defended the decision on Sky News, accusing Nottinghamshire Live of distortion and indicating Nigel Farage would not intervene, calling it a local row.
• The move has drawn sustained criticism from the NUJ and local editors, and a petition urging a reversal has topped 20,000 signatures.
• The ban followed coverage reporting claims that Reform councillors could face suspension if they opposed Barton's preferred model for council reorganisation.