Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, has faced widespread criticism for dismissing allegations of racism against Nigel Farage as 'made-up twaddle'. The claims, made by former classmates from Farage's time at Dulwich College, include accusations that Farage made pro-Hitler comments and joked about gas chambers.
In a radio interview, Tice suggested the allegations were politically motivated, saying: 'This is all made up twaddle by people who don't want Nigel to be Prime Minister.' He added that no one had done more to combat antisemitism than Farage and himself, despite dismissing the account of a Jewish former pupil.
Labour peer Lord Katz, former chair of Jewish Labour, described Tice's response as 'shameful'. Anna Turley MP, chair of the Labour Party, said: 'It took serious courage for the victims to come forward. It's utterly deplorable that Richard Tice has dismissed this.'
The allegations, reported by The Guardian, involve around 20 former pupils who claim to have witnessed or been victims of Farage's offensive behaviour between the ages of 13 and 18. Farage has denied the claims, saying he would never racially abuse anyone in a 'hurtful or insulting way'.
