Nigel Farage launched into a heated confrontation with journalists on Thursday, repeatedly shouting the name of the late, controversial comedian Bernard Manning. The Reform UK leader's outburst came as he faced questions about allegations he racially abused a Jewish schoolmate in the late 1970s.
Defence turns to attack on BBC 'hypocrisy'
During a press conference, Mr Farage avoided a direct question about whether his former Dulwich College classmate was lying. Instead, he labelled BBC Today programme journalist Emma Barnett as "lower grade" and accused the broadcaster of profound "double standards and hypocrisy".
He pointed to content the BBC aired in the 1970s and 80s, including shows like Are You Being Served? and It Ain't Half Hot Mum, and its past association with Bernard Manning. "I cannot put up with the double standards of the BBC about what I'm alleged to have said 49 years ago and what you were putting out on mainstream content," Farage stated. He demanded an apology from the BBC for its historical programming.
Family disappointment and schoolmate's claims
Frank Manning, the nephew of Bernard Manning, expressed his dismay at Farage's comments. He told The Independent he was "very disappointed" and felt the Reform leader, a known fan of the comedian, should not have taken his uncle's name in vain.
The row stems from allegations made by Peter Ettedgui, a former schoolmate whose Jewish grandparents fled Nazi Germany. Mr Ettedgui claims that during their time at Dulwich College, Farage made persistent antisemitic remarks, including growling "Hitler was right" and hissing "gas them". These claims are supported by more than a dozen other former pupils.
Political fallout and unclear denial
In his initial response to the allegations in an ITV interview, Mr Farage appeared to leave room for having made remarks without "intent", admitting to playground "banter" but denying any hurtful intent. He later issued a prepared statement "categorically" denying the specific comments and suggesting the claims were politically motivated.
The political reaction was swift. The Conservative Party said the event showed "Reform’s one man band is in chaos once again." Labour chair Anna Turley criticised Farage for being unable to get his story straight and said he should be apologising to the alleged victims. "Reform want to drag our politics into the gutter. They are simply not fit for high office," she concluded.
