As expected, the news has only sought to further divide the local community but the majority of the responses on the post have cited the leader as ‘pathetic’ and ‘disgusting’.

One person said: “Absolutely shocking. Celebrating diversity in a colourful family atmosphere is important. That people can choose to be whatever they want to be is progress beyond the hate-filled, shame-filled life people used to live.”

Another said: “Honestly you sound pathetic. Instead of improving the area you’re responsible for, you’re turning it into your own miserable cesspit. So glad you’re not a medical doctor. Letting your own personal vendetta against minorities impair your performance as someone that’s supposed to answer to the people not demand that follow your fucked up view of the world.”

In his statement, Dr Woodward said he encouraged individuals and charities in the St Helen’s area to support Pride events themselves if they wished them to still go ahead. A recent report found that LGBTQ+ organisations and charities were already struggling financially after a large number of big organisations had rolled back on support in recent months.

One charity, Stonewall, said they had received a more than £2m drop in income in the last financial year - citing an ‘economic uncertainty’ as well as a ‘significant turbulence’ in the global LGBTQ+ movement. With this in mind, it’s likely that many Pride events would not be able to fully supported without the backings of organisations and bodies like councils.

I’ve already been speaking to friends who fear that this withdrawal of support in St Helens could set a precedent for other councils who back Pride events in their constituency to potentially follow suit.

Of course, it feels like it’s an isolated situation right now, but we have seen how things have rolled back in the past following individual actions so it is valid to be cautious of how things could go.

Right now, it’s important to go to Pride events in your area if you can so you can turn up and show up, and show that there is a valuable need for such events to be given the support they need to ensure people feel seen and represented. I’ll certainly be doing that at Salford this weekend.