Nigel Farage has been slammed for 'staggering hypocrisy' after defending Reform UK candidates who hold second jobs, despite his party's manifesto explicitly pledging to ban MPs from having outside employment.
Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper launched a scathing attack on the Reform leader, stating his position shows 'why the British public are sick to the back teeth of politicians'. The controversy emerged after it was revealed that several Reform candidates, including party treasurer Steve Smith, maintain employment outside politics.
Manifesto Pledge Versus Reality
Reform UK's 'Contract with the People' manifesto clearly states: 'MPs should not have second jobs.' However, when questioned about candidates who currently hold other positions, Mr Farage argued that the rule should only apply once they become MPs, creating a significant contradiction.
Steve Smith, who is standing in Clacton where Mr Farage is also a candidate, continues to serve as chief executive of a financial services company. Another candidate, James McMurdock, works as a management consultant.
Political Backlash
Daisy Cooper didn't hold back in her criticism: 'This is utter hypocrisy from Nigel Farage. He says one thing and does another.' She added that the incident demonstrates why trust in politicians has eroded and emphasized that Lib Dem MPs would be banned from taking second jobs.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Reform UK, which has been positioning itself as an anti-establishment alternative to traditional parties. This incident threatens to undermine that messaging just weeks before the general election.
Farage's Defence
Mr Farage attempted to clarify his position, suggesting that the ban should only apply to serving MPs rather than candidates. However, this distinction appears to conflict with the clear wording of his party's manifesto, which makes no such qualification.
Political analysts suggest this incident could damage Reform UK's credibility with voters who were attracted to their promises of political reform and transparency.
