CLA · On the Record
David Rowan
Role at the time: Private social-media user
Role now: Reform UK councillor for Colne Valley West, Kirklees Council
“As a parent not at school.. I don’t beleive gays should have kids full stop..”
What was said
A screenshot preserves an X reply posted at 11:01pm on 11 August 2019 by an account displayed as “david rowan” with the handle @davidro63287194. Responding to an LGBT Foundation post about discussion of LGBT relationships in schools, the account stated that gay people should not have children.
Context and response
The post pre-dated Rowan’s election to Kirklees Council in May 2026. Reporting in August 2026 linked the account to Rowan and reproduced the screenshot. Reform UK suspended him pending an internal investigation. The Independent approached Rowan for comment but reported no personal response.
Later reporting, citing the BBC, said Reform reinstated Rowan after the internal disciplinary process and issued a final written warning. Kirklees Council’s current member page lists Dave Rowan as a Reform UK councillor for Colne Valley West.
Evidence trail
- Published screenshot of the X post — displays the account name and handle, the full exchange and an 11 August 2019 timestamp.
- The Independent, 13 August 2026 — links the account to Rowan, reproduces the wording, records the party suspension and notes that Rowan was approached for comment.
- Local Democracy Reporting Service via Asian Standard, 26 August 2026 — records the full wording, account handle, party position and council response.
- BBC News follow-up — reports that Rowan was reinstated after the party process with a final written warning.
- Kirklees Council member record — confirms Rowan’s current office, ward and listed party affiliation.
Evidence status
Screenshot-preserved and attributed by multiple published sources. The screenshot shows the words, account name, handle, reply context and date. CLA has not independently established account ownership beyond the published attribution. No personal denial, correction or explanation from Rowan was identified.
Legal status
This record concerns an attributed social-media statement and a party disciplinary process. Reform UK’s suspension and final written warning are party administrative actions. CLA has identified no criminal charge, conviction, court finding or council Code of Conduct finding concerning this post. Inclusion here is not an allegation of illegality.
Last reviewed: 12 October 2026
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Responses and outcomes
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