Reform UK Activist with History of Racist Remarks Named Election Agent
A Reform UK activist, previously suspended over racist and antisemitic comments, has been appointed as the election agent for three of the party's candidates in the Tameside area of Manchester, ahead of local elections on 7 May. Adam Mitula, who served as an interim campaign manager in the region, was suspended in February pending an investigation after evidence emerged of offensive posts.
Controversial Posts and Suspension
Mitula's suspension came following the publication of posts that included a highly offensive racial slur targeting black people and derogatory remarks about Jewish women. Additionally, he appeared to agree with a Holocaust denier that the number of Jewish victims was exaggerated, though he later claimed his comments were taken out of context. The allegations were based on information gathered by the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, which highlighted further posts where Mitula suggested a high percentage of transgender people were paedophiles and referenced "Muslim no-go ghettoes" in the UK.
Current Role in Elections
Despite the suspension, a notice of election document published last Thursday confirms Mitula is now the election agent for Reform candidates Aron Webb, Audra Murray, and Daniel Bennett in three wards within Tameside. This reappearance occurs amidst a series of axings, suspensions, and resignations of senior Reform UK figures, including candidates in Scotland and Wales, as well as high-profile figures like Chris Parry, the party's Hampshire mayoral candidate, and Simon Dudley, its housing spokesperson.
Local Reactions and Concerns
Jackie Olden, the Green party candidate for Denton South in Tameside, where Mitula is involved, expressed concern over the pattern of behaviour from Reform leadership. She stated, "Time and again, we have seen a pattern of commentary and behaviour from the Reform leadership that aims to normalise division in our communities. Here in Tameside, residents have already seen the impact of that approach. In Gorton and Denton, Reform's campaigning has too often relied on divisive messaging that alienates parts of our community."
Background and Investigation
Mitula previously acted as the interim campaign manager for Matthew Goodwin during Goodwin's unsuccessful bid to become an MP. The X account associated with Mitula has since been deleted, but screenshots of his posts remain. Reform UK and Mitula have been approached for comment regarding his involvement in the upcoming elections, where the party is anticipated to make significant gains. This situation raises questions about the party's vetting processes and commitment to addressing discriminatory behaviour within its ranks.
