Nigel Farage has confirmed that controversial TV host Jeremy Kyle is providing media training to Reform UK's candidates. The revelation came during a press conference in Newport, where Farage detailed the party's vetting process for the upcoming local and Senedd elections.
Kyle, known for his eponymous talk show that was taken off air in 2019 after a guest's suicide, now hosts a breakfast show on Talk TV. At the training day, prospective candidates were quizzed by Kyle, with Farage stating: “Jeremy Kyle interviewing them all. Can you imagine? It was exactly what happened.”
Farage emphasised the importance of rigorous vetting, learning from previous UKIP elections where “wholly unsuitable” candidates were selected. He added that candidates have been “road tested” and “put through their paces” by Kyle and presenter Colin Brazier.
The announcement drew criticism from political opponents. A Labour spokesman said: “Nigel Farage has repeatedly boasted about Reform’s vetting. Yet a string of his candidates and politicians have been caught making racist, sexist and other appalling remarks. It’s laughable that Reform thinks this is an acceptable standard for public office.”
Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart commented: “Whilst the jokes almost write themselves this is no laughing matter. Reform has asked the public to put their trust in a stream of candidates who would be wholly unsuitable for public office.”
At the rally, Farage also announced former Tory Dan Thomas as Reform UK's leader in Wales and unveiled James Evans, a former senior Welsh Conservative sacked last month over suspected defection, as the party's newest recruit.
