Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is under renewed scrutiny for his longstanding admiration of Enoch Powell, the Conservative MP infamous for his 1968 'Rivers of Blood' speech. In his 2011 autobiography, Farage described being 'dazzled' and 'awestruck' by Powell, who was sacked from the shadow cabinet for the racist address. The revelations have drawn criticism from Labour peer Baroness Luciana Berger, who said Farage's 'open admiration for Enoch Powell speaks volumes about the kind of politics he champions.'
Farage wrote that he attended a lecture by Powell at Dulwich College in 1982 and was left 'awestruck into silence.' He also admitted that teachers were outraged by his 'spirited defence' of the former MP. In 2014, it emerged that Farage had written to Powell in 1994 seeking his help to become a parliamentary candidate, stating that 'a voice from you could transform things.' Farage also drove Powell to a by-election rally, where protesters smashed his car.
The controversy comes as former classmates from Dulwich College allege that Farage made pro-Hitler comments, joked about gas chambers, and performed Nazi salutes during his schooldays. One former pupil, Peter Ettedgui, claimed Farage would say 'Hitler was right' or 'Gas them' while mimicking the sound of gas chambers. Another recalled Farage teaching songs about gassing Jews during Combined Cadet Force camps. A Reform UK spokesman has denied all allegations, calling them an attempt to smear the party.
Farage himself has dismissed the claims, telling ITV News that the incidents occurred 49 years ago and that he did not racially abuse fellow pupils. The row deepens as Farage faces questions over his past behaviour and political influences, with critics arguing that his admiration for Powell reflects the kind of politics he champions.
