Karen Hatch, the Reform UK candidate for the upcoming St Helens Council by-election, is facing pressure after social media comments linked to an account in her name shared anti-Muslim sentiments and conspiracy theories.
Hatch has been selected as Nigel Farage's party's candidate for the Billinge and Seneley ward. The by-election on Thursday, August 27, follows the resignation of former Reform Councillor Jennifer Gerrard, who quit for personal reasons after being elected in May.
Campaign Leaflet and Social Media Controversy
On her campaign leaflet, Hatch says she has lived in Billinge for nearly 40 years and is "deeply committed to our community." She also highlights her NHS senior leadership experience, promising to champion accessible, sustainable healthcare provision.
However, after she emerged as the candidate, a number of her recent social media posts raised concerns. The posts were first highlighted by the 'Reform Party Exposed' account on X, and were publicly available until the account linked to Hatch was locked.
Posts and Reactions
In one post, the account responded to a report of a mosque being set on fire with a mocking meme including the words 'oh dear.' In another, it stated: "A vote for Labour is a vote for Muslim rule, that's not a racist remark, it's a fact, the future is going to be dreadful." The account also shared posts from the far-right group Britain First.
The account also veered into conspiracy theories, including about Bill Gates, the World Economic Forum (WEF), and the World Health Organisation (WHO). One post claimed Gates "has an agenda that would wipe out animal farming totally turning us into vegans without any choice" and said he "should be stopped." Another post suggested these global bodies were working with the UK government to buy up homes to house illegal immigrants.
Recent Reform Controversies in St Helens
Reform's St Helens councillors and candidates have made headlines several times in recent months. Stephen Mousdell resigned in May after media reports highlighted his appearance in pornographic films. Also in May, it was revealed that newly elected councillor Emma Beck had been convicted of assault just four months before her victory; Reform said at the time she was appealing the conviction.
The ECHO has contacted Reform UK and the Reform leader of St Helens for a response. The Billinge and Seneley Green by-election will take place on Thursday, August 27. The full list of candidates is: Colin Richard Betts (Independent), Karen Hatch (Reform UK), Tom Leonard-Middleton (Independent), Steve Owen (Labour), Sue Rahman (Green), and David Michael Titmuss (Conservative).
