Opposition politicians have launched scathing attacks on Reform UK after an undercover report showed candidates and councillors for the party using highly offensive language. Footage released by ITV News shows figures describing black children as 'animals' and Muslims as 'parasites', and arguing that no more than 1% of the UK's population should be non-white.
Offensive remarks in undercover footage
In one clip, a South London councillor suggests King Charles should be beheaded because he 'is a Muslim'. Another shows a group of Reform candidates in Solihull discussing a female candidate who is also running for the party in the area. One male councillor, who has since resigned from the party, reacts by saying: 'If she was my daughter, it would still be bath night on a Thursday.'
The full documentary featuring the footage is still three days away from being aired, with an air date set for this Sunday at 10.20pm.
Political backlash and party response
Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson, who is also minister for women and equalities, described the behaviour shown in the clips as 'truly sickening'. She said: 'Nigel Farage can't shrug these latest revelations off as being a few bad apples. Every Reform councillor, council candidate or party member found to have made such despicable comments must be thrown out of Reform UK immediately. Nigel Farage needs to explain why this keeps happening in his party and why he is failing to deal with blatant racism among those who stand for public office with his backing.'
Writing on X, Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey said: 'This is chilling. I feel for anyone watching this tonight who is frightened to see such racism and hatred festering in their community.'
A press conference with Nigel Farage and Reform's policing advisor Colin Sutton that was due to take place in Southend this morning has been cancelled, though the party says that decision is not related to the ITV report. It is understood the people featured in the footage published on Wednesday night have either been suspended from the party or have left.
Party statement and wider context
In a statement, a party spokesman said: 'Where members, activists and councillors have clearly behaved inappropriately, investigations have commenced. In some cases, there have been suspensions and due process must be followed. Reform UK has improved and prioritised its vetting procedures, but from time to time, a handful of individuals who do not share our values will initially make it through vetting. This is the same for all organisations.' He added that 'one cannot vet a future comment', and said there is 'no room for racism in Reform UK'.
The latest report adds to a damaging two months for Nigel Farage's party, which spent much of the past two years soaring at the top of the polls. Labour has taken the lead again since Andy Burnham became prime minister, and two polls this week show the Conservatives moving into second place.
