Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, has vigorously defended Nigel Farage against allegations of racist behaviour at school, claiming the accusations are “absolute made-up twaddle.” The comments came during a BBC Radio 4 Today programme interview, where Tice insisted that former classmates who reported hearing Farage make jokes about gas chambers and Hitler were lying.
Tice, who did not attend Dulwich College with Farage, stated he was certain the leader had never made antisemitic remarks. This contradicts reports from around 20 former pupils who said they heard such comments. When pressed by presenter Emma Barnett, Tice maintained the accusers had deliberately fabricated stories to damage Reform UK.
The interview also covered Reform’s opposition to the government’s decision to postpone four mayoral elections until 2028. Tice described the move as a “denial of democracy” and likened it to actions taken by dictatorships, despite other local elections proceeding as planned in 2026.
Observers note that Tice’s staunch defence comes amid a strained relationship with Farage, who sidelined Tice from the party leadership before the last election. Farage has also been playing Tice off against fellow Reform figure Zia Yusuf, leaving Tice’s future role uncertain.
