Nigel Farage has described Nathan Gill, the former Reform UK leader in Wales who admitted taking bribes to make pro-Russian statements, as a 'bad apple' who betrayed him. Speaking during a campaign visit to Caerphilly, Farage expressed shock at Gill's actions, noting he had known him as a devout Christian and clean-living person.
Gill, 52, pleaded guilty last month to eight counts of bribery between December 2018 and July 2019, for making statements in favour of Vladimir Putin's Russia while a member of the European Parliament. Farage insisted that every political party can have such individuals, comparing it to families having a 'bad apple'.
Farage faced questions about his judgment of character but deflected by asking if reporters had ever been let down or betrayed. He also addressed the lack of a current Welsh leader for Reform UK, stating that 'hundreds' have applied to run for the party in the Senedd and that a leader would be selected in due course.
During the walk through Caerphilly town centre, Farage stopped to speak with residents, including retired couple Rob and Susan Pascoe, who expressed support for Reform UK in the upcoming byelection, citing a desire for change after years of Labour rule.
