Political leaders at a west London council have joined forces to condemn comments made by two Reform UK councillors after an ITV investigation uncovered controversial remarks by party representatives across the country.
The undercover investigation found a number of Reform councillors and candidates making racist, offensive or inflammatory comments. Among those featured were Hounslow councillors Adam Parkins and David Kerr, who represent Feltham North.
Reform councillors' remarks under fire
In footage broadcast by ITV, David Kerr appeared to suggest parties needed to appear "palatable" to voters to secure power, saying: "We're not f****** stupid enough to p*** off the entire woke south or centrist south really of the country."
Adam Parkins was filmed saying: "The stuff that people feel uncomfortable with, don't even announce it, just do it." He added: "We just need to get f****** elected, that's all that really matters."
Neither councillor has publicly responded to the comments. Reform UK said it had suspended a number of councillors following the investigation but has not confirmed whether either of the Hounslow representatives was among them.
Cross-party condemnation in Hounslow
Hounslow's Labour council leader Shantanu Rajawat described some of the comments uncovered nationally as "shocking and disgraceful". He said: "Hounslow has a proud history of tolerance and community. It is a place where we look out for, care for, and respect one another."
The borough's opposition parties also criticised the remarks. Green group leader Guy Lambert said he was "shocked" by the footage and claimed residents would be concerned by the views expressed.
Meanwhile, the leader of Hounslow's Conservative group said the comments revealed an "abhorrent" side of the party and risked overshadowing issues that matter to voters, including crime and support for local businesses. Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Crouch said the investigation exposed a "dangerous and unacceptable side to Reform UK", adding that residents would be entitled to question what their elected representatives "really believe in".
Reform UK response
The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted both councillors for comment but had not received a response. Both remain listed as Reform councillors on the authority.
Regarding the ITV expose, a Reform spokesman said: "Where members, activists and councillors have 'clearly behaved inappropriately, investigations have commenced. In some cases, there have been suspensions and due process must be followed.
"Reform UK has improved and prioritised its vetting procedures, but from time to time, a handful of individuals who do not share our values will initially make it through vetting. This is the same for all organisations. However good the vetting, one cannot vet a future comment especially in circumstances where an individual is entrapped in a discussion with an undercover reporter. There is no room for racism in Reform UK."
