In a recent incident surrounding a Pride event, Amanda Clare, a member of Reform UK and a councillor for Winsford Dene on Cheshire West and Chester Council, has found herself in the midst of legal strife. Clare is facing serious allegations of assault after she reportedly engaged in a confrontation with a security guard at the Winsford LGBTQ+ celebration on June 28, 2025. Following her arrest at the event, she has publicly denied these accusations while maintaining that her actions were defensive in nature.
On appearing before Chester Magistrates’ Court, the 54-year-old Clare, who is originally from Malpas, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of assaulting security guard Richard Welsh and damaging his camera. This makes it clear that the legal battle ahead will focus not only on the question of her actions but also whether they met the threshold of self-defense as she claims. The case has garnered attention from both local and national media outlets, highlighting the intersection of public service and personal conduct in the politically charged atmosphere surrounding LGBTQ+ rights.
In light of these allegations, Clare was suspended from her role as an aide to Sarah Pochin, a Member of Parliament representing Runcorn and Helsby. Pochin’s office released a statement confirming the suspension, emphasizing their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for disorderly behavior. They assert the importance of ensuring due process while underlining the necessity for Clare to refrain from her job responsibilities during the ongoing investigation. This reflects broader societal concerns about the accountability of public figures and the potential ramifications of their personal behavior on their professional roles.
Amanda Clare’s political history is notable. Initially elected as a Labour Party member in 2019, she transitioned to the Socialist Labour Party in early 2022, subsequently shifting allegiance several more times within various factions, before finally joining Reform UK in March 2025. This history illustrates a dynamic political career that resonates with the current volatility in political affiliations within the UK. The constant shifting of party loyalties raises questions about her or the broader political landscape’s stability, especially as she now faces serious criminal charges.
The unfolding legal drama has led to heightened scrutiny from local law enforcement and media, especially after Cheshire Constabulary responded to reports of a “disturbance” at the Winsford Pride event. In an official statement, both the Cheshire Police and Crown Prosecution Service emphasized the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings against Clare and appealed to the public for sensitivity regarding the reporting of the case, noting that preserving the integrity of the trial process is of utmost importance.
Judge John McGarva presided over her initial court appearance and granted her bail contingent upon the stipulation that she not contact the alleged victim, Richard Welsh. The legal proceedings will be continuing at Chester Crown Court in December, putting further pressure on Clare and her public image.
As this story progresses, it reflects wider implications surrounding the treatment of public figures accused of misconduct, particularly in environments as vibrant and politically engaged as Pride events. The coming months will be critical not only for Clare in navigating her defense but also for public discourse surrounding the accountability of elected officials within the ever-evolving landscape of UK politics. This case also serves as a backdrop for discussions regarding the rights of individuals attending such public celebrations and the responsibilities of those placed in positions of authority to act with integrity and respect for all.
