A Reform UK spat has broken out after one of its councillors said they will seek criminal damages from anyone who participates in “vandalism” by painting roundabouts with the cross of St George. Roundabouts across Bromsgrove and Birmingham were painted with the red and white colours of England’s nation flag over the last few days amid a wave of flags also being hung from lampposts in the area.

The ‘flagtivist’ movement has also spread to East London, where the local Labour-run Tower Hamlets council sparked fury when removing England flags after refusing to act over Palestinian flags. Yesterday all 12 leaders of Reform-run councils in England issued a joint statement promising not to take down any flags erected on lampposts. However residents of Worcestershire County Council have now been warned that painting roundabouts will be met with serious legal action.

Karl Perks, the Reform councillor in charge of highways and transport, issued a Facebook statement yesterday describing the activism as “vandalism”.

Councillor Perks said: “What I cannot condone are acts of vandalism, costing tax payers money, this is exactly what the illegal painting of red crosses on local roundabouts will do.

“This act of vandalism will cost our County Council money to rectify. As the Cabinet Member for Highways for Worcestershire County Council, I will be seeking criminal damages so that every other tax payer in the county does not pay for this.”

He reiterated Reform UK’s commitment to keeping the flags on lampposts in place, though warned activists that putting them up “may not be the best thing to do, mostly because it’s dangerous and could cause damage”.

He added: “There are many ways that people can show their pride by flying the St George’s flag – in your own front and back gardens, on your cars, in your windows and on community buildings where agreed by the whole community.”

Councillor Perks’ statement appeared at odds with the full fronted support for the flagtivists issued by Mr Farage and the 12 Reform UK council leaders yesterday.

A party spokesman said the transport spokesman’s statement was not posted “under the instruction of the [council leader]”.

They reiterated that the leader, Jo Monk, had said they are “unequivocally proud of the St George’s Cross and all it represents.”

Nigel Farage said: “Union flags and the Cross of St George should and will fly across the country. Reform UK will never shy away from celebrating our nation.”

Leader of Lancashire county council and chairman of the Reform UK Local Government Association group Stephen Atkinson added: “Reform UK councils are clear: where done sensibly, we fully support the flying of Union and St George flags on lampposts.

“These flags are not only a sign of unity and inclusion, but also of national pride. We will never get in the way of those who wish to express love for their country.”

It was signed by the leaders of Kent, Lancashire, Durham, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Worcestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Warwickshire, West Northamptonshire, North Northamptonshire.

Thousands of pounds have now been raised for the activists putting up the flags, with Flag Force UK pledging to replace any taken down by left-wing councils.