A Reform UK councillor has confirmed he is suing the NHS over what he believes is discrimination based on his political beliefs.
Daniel Matchett, who was elected to Lancashire County Council last May, has formally launched proceedings against the healthcare provider after he was subject to an investigation for posing in a Reform UK campaign video on social media.
Mr Matchett had worked as an NHS mental health nurse for over a decade before standing for Reform UK in Whitworth & Bacup.
He faced disciplinary proceedings from the NHS due to appearing in the video in an NHS uniform and specifying his role as a mental health nurse.
He was accused of breaching the NHS Trust’s social media policies by filming part of the video on NHS property.
An investigation was launched one day after the video was posted, with it closing three months later and no action being taken.
Mr Matchett told The Telegraph: “I am bringing this case because I do not believe the video was ever really the issue.
“My case is that what was under investigation were my beliefs and that the process itself was the punishment.
“Equality before the law has to mean the same thing for everybody, or it means nothing.
“I am bringing this case so that the next nurse who puts their name on a ballot paper does not have to think twice about it.”
He later edited the video to remove the section that took place on NHS Trust premises.
The councillor is now claiming he was discriminated against for his political beliefs.
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The Equality Act 2010 protects religious and philosophical beliefs but does not protect all political beliefs.
According to Acas, political beliefs can be protected if they meet the definition of a philosophical belief.
Elliot Hammer of Branch Austin McCormick, who is representing Mr Matchett, said: “Daniel’s case will be an important case exploring belief discrimination, especially in a party political context.”
Upon winning his seat, Mr Matchett was appointed to be a Cabinet member for health and wellbeing within the county council.
A Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust spokesman said: “As an NHS organisation, we remain politically neutral.
“We are an inclusive employer and do not treat anyone any differently based on their political beliefs.
“We are supportive of all of our colleagues, in line with our values of being a team, kind, respectful and always learning.
“It would not be appropriate to comment on individual cases, particularly those which may be subject to ongoing legal proceedings.”
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