Nigel Farage is facing calls to take action against three Reform UK local election candidates after newly uncovered social media posts revealed what Labour has described as “grotesque” racist, misogynistic and homophobic views. The party, which has previously pledged to improve its vetting process following a series of scandals, is now under renewed pressure.
Andrew Mahon, standing in Blackburn South East, allegedly made homophobic remarks about Health Secretary Wes Streeting and Green Party leader Zack Polanski. In a Facebook post last month, he reportedly asked: “I wonder if Wes Streeting likes sausage? I wonder if he eats meat?” A now-deleted X post from March also appeared to make crude sexual references. Mahon is also said to have questioned why black people can use a racial slur while white people cannot, and suggested Angela Rayner “should consider weight loss jabs”.
Brett Muscroft, a candidate in Wakefield’s Castleford Central and Glasshoughton ward, reportedly expressed support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. An August 2024 Facebook post suggested making Robinson defence secretary would “get Great Britain back”. Another post from February 2025 allegedly compared Islam to cancer, saying: “If you don’t remove it on time, it will kill you.”
Arnold Tabor, standing in Wakefield’s South Elmsall and South Kirkby ward, is alleged to have commented on a 2022 YouTube video that the navy should shoot migrants in the English Channel. A 2023 comment reportedly called for migrants to be placed in a “huge walled workhouse city” and made to “work for no pay”.
Labour chair Anna Turley said: “These vile comments expose the type of candidates Reform are happy to put on the ballot paper. Despite all Nigel Farage’s claims about improving vetting in the party, he continues to stand candidates who hold grotesque views. Voters deserve better. Farage needs to act and kick these people out of his party for good.”
A Reform UK spokesperson said the party is investigating the allegations. The candidates have not yet been formally suspended, but the party faces growing pressure to take action.
