Conservative Party chair Kemi Badenoch starts Pride Month by urging Conservative-run local authorities not to fly a modern Pride flag that she describes as promoting “contested ideas about gender identity and critical race theory.” According to the reports, Badenoch sends a warning to Tory councils, arguing the symbolism associated with the “ultra-progressive” version of the Pride flag is politically contentious. The coverage frames the message as part of a broader dispute over how Pride themes are interpreted in relation to gender identity and race-related debates. The articles state that Badenoch’s instruction is aimed specifically at the flag used by some organisations during Pride events, rather than at Pride celebrations themselves. The reports do not provide details on which councils were notified, what specific design elements Badenoch objects to, or what the immediate responses from council officials are. Overall, the accounts agree that the warning is directed at Conservative councils and is presented as a directive not to fly the contested Pride flag during the month-long observances.