Exclusive:Mum of Barnsley teen who took her own life blasts Reform-led council's decision to not fly Pride flag
“This decision gives the impression that there is little genuine care or recognition being shown toward the Pride community”
The mum of a teenage who took her own life after years of bullying is concerned that her council has failed to learn lessons after they announced they would no longer fly the Pride flag.
Barnsley Council have faced growing criticism over their recent decision to not fly the Pride flag over town hall during Pride month.
Now the mum of teenager Ollie Lee - who took her own life after years of relentless bullying - has said that the decision leaves LGBTQ+ people feeling like ‘outcasts’.
Mum Courtney Lee told The Star: “I strongly believe that the council’s decision to refuse permission for the Pride flag to be flown following Ollie’s inquest demonstrates a troubling lack of reflection and learning from the failures already acknowledged during those proceedings.
“After admitting to serious failings, this decision feels deeply painful - not only personally, but symbolically.
“Flying the Pride flag would not simply have been a gesture in Ollie’s honour; it would have been a statement of visibility, inclusion, and support for an entire community that Ollie was part of and cared about deeply.
“Pride represents acceptance, belonging, and safety. Refusing to recognise that, particularly in the aftermath of an inquest centred around a young person who should have been protected, risks sending the message that LGBTQ+ people are still being treated as ‘other’ rather than fully valued members of the community.
“I know Ollie would have found that incredibly hurtful. To her, it would have felt isolating - like being made an outcast.”
An inquest into the death of Ollie Lee, held in May this year, concluded that 14-year-old was failed by Barnsley Council and CAMHS (children and adolescent mental health service) in the years prior to her death.
The court heard how the teenager became a victim of bullying at Barnsley Academy in part due to her identity and sexuality, but a lack of communication between services meant that the severity of her mental health crisis was not properly treated.
She ultimately took her own life in October 2024.
Coroner Hannah Berry said she would be writing to express her concerns to Barnsley College’s United Learning Trust and would be issuing a prevention of future deaths report in respect of CAMHS and Barnsley Council.
“For me, this decision feels like another blow after everything that has already happened,” Courtney added.
“More importantly, it raises serious concerns about whether the lessons from the inquest have truly been understood. Apologies and condolences carry weight only when they are followed by actions that demonstrate compassion, accountability, and meaningful change.
“At present, this decision gives the impression that there is little genuine care or recognition being shown toward the Pride community. It also risks sending a discouraging message to LGBTQ+ employees within the council itself - that their identities and communities are not fully supported or respected by their own employer.”
When announcing their decision, Barnsley Council said that from now on only the Union Flag, the St George’s Cross, and the Barnsley Council flags will fly over the town hall.
It marks a stark change for the new Reform-led council, as in previous years the Pride flag has been flown, as well as other like the Ukrainian flag during relevant times.
Responding to Courtney’s concerns, a Barnsley Council spokesperson said: “The flags we fly on Barnsley town hall symbolise what unites us across the whole of Barnsley.
“We want Barnsley to be a place where everyone feels supported, valued and able to be themselves.
“Our commitment to supporting Barnsley’s communities hasn’t changed, and the council continue to support a wide range of events and campaigns for all of our communities throughout the year.”