A Reform UK activist who was suspended by the party over allegations of racism, including the use of the N-word and comments about Jewish women, has been photographed campaigning in Makerfield ahead of next month's by-election.
Adam Mitula on the campaign trail
Adam Mitula has been actively supporting Nigel Farage's party in the constituency, which is expected to be contested by Andy Burnham. Mitula was suspended in February after anti-racism group Hope Not Hate uncovered a series of disturbing posts on an X account in his name. The posts allegedly included the N-word, a remark about Jewish women, and a post questioning the number of Jewish people murdered during the Holocaust.
Despite his suspension, Mitula appears to have returned to campaigning, sharing pictures of himself in Makerfield on Facebook and being shown door-knocking in an ITV News report over the weekend.
Labour's response
A Labour Campaign spokesman condemned Reform UK, stating: "Reform are hell bent on dividing our communities and want to use the Makerfield by-election to spread their toxic division across our communities. Nigel Farage must confirm whether Adam Mitula remains suspended from Reform." The spokesman added: "If he hasn't been thrown out, Farage needs to urgently come clean and explain why he's happy to have a man who's accused of making appalling and racist posts online out campaigning for his Party. Labour will always champion unity over division and is the only Party that can stop Reform."
Context of the allegations
Nigel Farage has pledged to focus heavily on the Makerfield contest to prevent Andy Burnham's return to Parliament. Burnham is expected to be announced as Labour's candidate for the seat, vacated by former minister Josh Simons. Reform UK has not yet named its candidate, and it remains unclear what role Mitula will play in the campaign.
Mitula was suspended during the Gorton & Denton by-election in February, where he was a key campaigner for unsuccessful candidate Matthew Goodwin. The posts from a now-deleted X account, uncovered by Hope Not Hate, included one in August 2024 using the N-word. Another post, referring to the Holocaust, read: "6 million people including some Jews. They always use Poles to make up the number. And on top of it they claim Poles were killing. Just sick." A further post from July 2024 stated: "I wouldn't touch a Jewish woman."
Mitula's defence
In February, Mitula confirmed his suspension but claimed the remarks were taken out of context. He said: "I'm confirming my suspension as a Reform member pending investigation. The comments in question were taken out of context, and actually defended the Jewish community. The original article was published by the Manchester Mill, known for spreading misinformation and aligned with political opposition. My solicitor is contacting them and anyone else spreading false info that damages my reputation."
Matthew Goodwin, who was backed by far-right campaigner Tommy Robinson, finished second in the Gorton and Denton contest, losing to Green Party MP Hannah Spencer. A Reform UK spokesman previously stated: "With regard to Adam Mitula, our disciplinary process is confidential and we do not provide a running commentary on any potential cases that are being considered."
