Nigel Farage's Reform UK party is facing fresh turmoil after one of its councillors was suspended over leaked WhatsApp messages that appear to reveal a more hardline private stance on immigration than the party publicly admits.
Leaked Messages Spark Suspension
According to a report by LancsLive, County Councillor Tom Pickup, who represents the Reform UK party on Lancashire County Council, was suspended after messages attributed to him were published by the social media account 'Reform Party UK Exposed'.
The screenshots, which surfaced on the platform X, allegedly show a user identified as 'Tom' engaging in a WhatsApp conversation about immigration. In the exchange, another user states that a majority of Brits want mass deportations and re migration.
The user 'Tom' appears to respond, I agree, and goes on to suggest that a clear and detailed policy on immigration would be rolled out soon. He allegedly added that the party had been using tact to grow, arguing that previous hardline parties failed by not taking this approach.
A 'Terrifying Insight' into Reform UK
In a separate message cited in the report, the user claims, I'm a Reform councillor, everyone in Reform is a lot more hardline on immigration than is typically stated publicly, to get a majority government we have to be tactical.
These comments prompted a strong reaction from the Labour Party in Lancashire. A spokesperson labelled the remarks as nothing short of despicable and described the leak as a terrifying insight into the party's choice of representatives.
The Labour spokesperson demanded that Reform UK explain its failure to carry out due diligence and apologise to the people of Lancashire.
Fresh Scandal for Farage
This incident is the latest in a series of challenges for party leader Nigel Farage. It comes just days after he faced allegations from former schoolmates of making racist and antisemitic remarks during his time at Dulwich College, claims which he strongly denies.
Furthermore, the suspension highlights ongoing internal issues for Reform UK within local government. The party, which caused a shock by winning a majority on Kent County Council in May, has since had to suspend nine of its councillors.
Speaking to The Mirror about his suspension, Councillor Pickup said, I welcome the suspension and investigation and look forward to the truth coming out. Reform UK has been approached for comment on the matter.
