David Blunkett, a former Cabinet Minister and Labour grandee, has strongly countered Nigel Farage's assertion that Britain is broken, arguing instead that it is Farage's Reform Party that is fundamentally flawed. Writing in collaboration with Sheffield councillor Mark Rusling, Blunkett describes the fight against Reform as the most significant political struggle of our time.
Exposing Racism and Incompetence
The Mirror has rightly highlighted the vile, racist statements made by Reform candidates. Blunkett questions whether Farage is simply unlucky or if there is a deeper reason why racists are drawn to his party. In South Yorkshire, a Reform councillor in Doncaster referred to Hitler as a 'fu**ing legend', while a Sheffield candidate praised Nazis as 'real visionaries' and blamed Jewish people for antisemitism due to their supposed preference for open borders. Despite the candidate's denial of Nazi sympathies, such remarks are deeply concerning.
Beyond extremist views, Reform councillors have shown a lack of dedication. In Doncaster, some attend only a quarter of meetings, and in Sheffield, they have not participated in any hustings. Blunkett warns that if they are invisible during elections, they will be absent afterwards.
The Real State of Britain
Blunkett emphasises the need for visible, active local leaders during tough times. Britons born in the 1980s are poorer than their parents, and communities like Shiregreen in Sheffield have seen pubs close and public amenities decline due to years of Tory cuts. However, he rejects Farage's claim that this means Britain is broken. Instead, he insists that Reform is the broken entity.
A Call to Action
As voters go to the polls, Blunkett urges them to consider whether their Reform candidate rejects the racism of their colleagues, will fight for their community after the election, and will remain loyal to the party. Nearly 45 Reform councillors elected in 2025 have been expelled, defected, or resigned, along with two of their five MPs.
Britain needs hope, not the divisiveness of Reform. Blunkett concludes that this battle is one that communities and the country cannot afford to lose. On Thursday, he urges a vote for hope over hate.
David Blunkett is a former Cabinet Member and MP for Sheffield Brightside. Mark Rusling is a Sheffield councillor who has worked with Hope Not Hate to counter the far right.
