Nigel Farage has admitted that Reform UK's vetting process was inadequate at the last general election, as the party faces a series of scandals involving candidates and officials. The latest controversy saw Simon Dudley, the party's housing spokesperson, sacked after saying during a discussion about the Grenfell Tower fire that 'everyone dies in the end'.
Dudley's dismissal came just two days after Farage claimed the party's vetting was 'doing pretty well now'. The former Conservative defector and ex-head of Homes England was appointed by deputy leader Richard Tice, whom Farage distanced himself from over the decision, stating he had not spoken to Dudley and that the comments were 'deeply inappropriate'.
The party has lost at least five election candidates in Scotland in recent weeks, including four who stepped down or were suspended shortly after standing with Farage on 19 March. Amanda Crawford, Reform's recently appointed press officer in Scotland, also quit, complaining she was being prevented from doing her job properly.
In England, Chris Parry, Reform's mayoral candidate for Hampshire, was suspended after describing members of a Jewish neighbourhood watch group as 'cosplayers' and likening them to 'Islamists on horseback'. Farage expressed frustration, saying he 'hasn't got time for this nonsense'.
The controversies have overshadowed key policy announcements, including commitments to the pensions triple lock and plans to cut flight taxes. The party insists it is a serious contender for government, but the constant distractions raise questions about internal harmony.
