Farage's Powell Admiration Comes Under Fire
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage faces intensifying scrutiny over his longstanding admiration for controversial Tory figure Enoch Powell, whose infamous 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech sparked national outrage. The political firestorm erupted after resurfaced writings revealed Mr Farage described himself as 'dazzled' and 'awestruck' by Powell during a 1982 school visit.
School Days Scrutiny Intensifies
Fresh allegations from former classmates at Dulwich College have plunged Mr Farage's teenage years into controversy. Multiple sources claim the Reform UK leader made pro-Hitler comments and joked about gas chambers during his time at the south London school. Peter Ettedgui, who was thirteen at the time, told The Guardian that Mr Farage would regularly state 'Hitler was right' and make hissing sounds to imitate gas chambers.
Other former pupils described participating in youth organisations where they claim Mr Farage taught songs about gassing Jews. Tim France, another contemporary, alleged the politician would 'regularly' perform Nazi salutes during his schooldays. All these allegations have been strongly denied by Reform UK representatives.
Political Fallout and Continued Connections
The controversy extends beyond Mr Farage's school years. In 2014, archives revealed he had sought Powell's political endorsement during his first attempt to become a parliamentary candidate in 1994. Mr Farage wrote to Powell requesting support, stating a 'voice from you could transform things'.
He also recounted driving Powell to an election rally at Newbury Racecourse, noting protesters damaged his car upon arrival. Historical records show Powell was later invited to stand for UKIP in both 1995 and 1997, though he declined both offers.
When confronted about the racism allegations during an ITV News interview, Mr Farage responded: 'No. This is 49 years ago by the way, 49 years ago.' Pressed repeatedly on whether he had racially abused fellow pupils, he eventually stated: 'Not with intent' and 'No, no I have never, directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody.'
Labour peer Baroness Luciana Berger condemned Mr Farage's positions, telling The Mirror: 'His open admiration for Enoch Powell speaks volumes about the kind of politics he champions.' The ongoing controversy continues to generate heated debate about historical accountability in British politics.
