A Reform UK councillor is suing the NHS, claiming he faced discrimination based on his political beliefs. Daniel Matchett, elected to Lancashire County Council in May 2025, has initiated legal proceedings against the healthcare provider following an investigation triggered by his appearance in a campaign video.
Key facts
Daniel Matchett worked as a mental health nurse in the NHS for over a decade before running for office.
The NHS Trust accused him of breaching social media policies after appearing in a campaign video in NHS uniform.
The investigation concluded with no action taken three months after it began.
Matchett claims the investigation was punitive, aimed at his political beliefs.
Why it matters: This case raises questions about the protection of political beliefs in the workplace. The outcome could impact how similar cases are handled across the NHS and other sectors.
The Equality Act 2010 offers protections for religious and philosophical beliefs but does not explicitly cover all political beliefs.
Political beliefs may receive protection if they qualify as philosophical beliefs according to guidance from Acas.
Matchett's case may set a precedent for how political beliefs are treated under employment law.
Driving the news: Matchett's legal action follows a disciplinary investigation initiated after he posted a Reform UK campaign video in July 2024. In the video, he wore an NHS uniform and referenced his role as a mental health nurse.
The NHS Trust launched an investigation one day after the video was posted, citing a breach of social media policies.
The investigation concluded three months later with no disciplinary action against Matchett.
He later edited the video to remove the segment filmed on NHS premises.
The big picture: Matchett's situation reflects broader tensions surrounding political expression in public service roles. As political polarization increases, the implications of this case could resonate beyond the NHS.
Matchett argues that the investigation was not about the video itself but rather his political beliefs.
His case highlights the challenges faced by public sector employees wishing to engage in political activities.
The outcome could influence how political views are perceived and protected in the workplace.
What they're saying: Matchett has been vocal about his motivations for pursuing this case. “I am bringing this case because I do not believe the video was ever really the issue,” he said. “My case is that what was under investigation were my beliefs and that the process itself was the punishment.”
He emphasized the importance of equality before the law, stating, “Equality before the law has to mean the same thing for everybody, or it means nothing.”
Elliot Hammer, Matchett's representative, stated, “Daniel’s case will be an important case exploring belief discrimination, especially in a party political-context.”
A spokesperson for the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust reiterated the organization’s commitment to political neutrality, stating, “We are an inclusive employer and do not treat anyone any differently based on their political beliefs.”
By the numbers: Matchett was a mental health nurse for over a decade before entering politics. He was elected to the Lancashire County Council in May 2025 and appointed cabinet member for health and wellbeing.
The investigation into Matchett's conduct began one day after the campaign video was posted.
The inquiry lasted three months, concluding without any action taken against him.
The case could set a precedent affecting numerous public sector employees who wish to engage politically.
What's next: Matchett's case will proceed through the legal system, potentially leading to a court ruling that clarifies the protections afforded to political beliefs in the workplace.
As the case develops, it may draw attention from other public sector employees concerned about similar issues.
The outcome could prompt discussions about revising the existing legal framework surrounding political beliefs and employment rights.
Legal experts are closely watching the case to assess its implications for future discrimination claims.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the implications of Matchett's case could resonate widely, influencing how political beliefs are treated in the workplace and potentially reshaping the boundaries of political expression in public service roles.