Wiltshire Council has declined to consider a formal complaint from White Horse News, which claims a council statement about the newspaper is unjustified, inaccurate and damaging. The council’s ongoing censorship of White Horse News has sparked widespread criticism, with national media labelling the authority’s actions as “spiteful bullying”.
The situation intensified last month when Wiltshire Council severed communication with the newspaper after it published an article questioning the council’s public notice advertising policy. The decision has faced backlash from councillors, media outlets and members of the public, raising concerns about its implications for press freedom, accountability and local democracy.
Council leader Cllr Richard Clewer defended the council’s stance in a statement, but White Horse News contends his comments unfairly attack the newspaper and contain several inaccuracies. The newspaper, published by Wiltshire Publications – which also produces the Melksham News – submitted a formal complaint in response, but the council dismissed it, stating it does not handle complaints from “corporate bodies”.
Cllr Clewer’s statement read, “Wiltshire Council welcomes being held to account by the press,” adding “Wiltshire Publications has undertaken an ongoing campaign… They continue to present a negative narrative – because we have chosen not to advertise with them.”
White Horse News operations manager Joe McCann rebuked the statement, calling it “an outright attack on a local independent newspaper.” He said, “Cllr Clewer has accused us of a two-year campaign over their advertising policy – when we have only written one article on the subject. The statement is filled with inaccuracies and unfounded accusations, portraying ‘ongoing negative reporting’ without any proof. It’s appalling that a public body would behave this way and then refuse to even consider our complaint, leaving us without recourse and showing a blatant disregard for press freedom.”
The controversy has gained national attention, with Private Eye, the well-known satirical magazine, criticising the council for “spiteful bullying”. The article stated, “Spiteful bullying of two small independent local newspapers which dared to run a couple of ‘critical’ stories that Tory council leader Richard Clewer didn’t like.”
Joe McCann acknowledged the impact of this national coverage, stating, “Private Eye picking up the story highlights its importance and underscores serious concerns about democracy and press freedom. Other national journalists have also approached us, showing how crucial this issue is for the future of independent local journalism. We have received widespread support, from media colleagues, local residents and various Wiltshire councillors across all parties. Sadly, some Wiltshire Council Conservative councillors have chosen to back the council’s leader in his actions.
“I assure our readers that the White Horse News will continue to hold Wiltshire Council to account, even if their actions make it more difficult.”
