Reform UK leader Richard Tice has publicly accused Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson of "breathtaking hypocrisy" in a fiery clash over campaign tactics in the key constituency of Epping Forest.
The row erupted after Labour campaign literature, featuring Ms. Phillipson, was distributed in the area. Mr. Tice seized on the leaflets, claiming they were a blatant attempt to mislead voters by a party that is not even contesting the seat directly.
"It is hypocrisy on an industrial scale," Mr. Tice declared, arguing that the move exposed Labour's underhand tactics. "They are not standing here, they know they can't win here, so they are trying to trick the voters."
The Reform UK leader, who is campaigning vigorously in the constituency, suggested the Labour leaflet was a deliberate strategy to split the anti-Conservative vote and indirectly aid the Tories—a claim Labour sources have strongly denied.
A Battle for the Anti-Conservative Vote
Epping Forest, a traditional Conservative stronghold, is a prime target for Reform UK. Mr. Tice believes his party is the main challenger to the Tories in this area and has framed the election as a direct choice between Reform and the incumbent party.
The appearance of Labour materials, therefore, is seen by Tice as a disruptive manoeuvre. He challenged Ms. Phillipson to a public debate in the constituency, stating it would allow voters to "see the hypocrisy for themselves."
This incident highlights the increasingly complex and often bitter three-way political battle being waged across the UK. With the Conservative vote softening in many areas, both Labour and Reform UK are fiercely competing to become the primary beneficiary of voter discontent.
Labour's Response and the Wider Campaign
While Labour has not issued a formal statement on Mr. Tice's specific allegations, the party is likely to dismiss them as a political stunt. Campaigns often see supporters and neighbouring constituencies assist in key marginals, a standard practice in UK elections.
However, Mr. Tice's aggressive framing of the issue is designed to put Labour on the back foot and solidify his party's claim as the true alternative to the status quo. The war of words underscores the high stakes in seats like Epping Forest, where the electoral outcome is highly unpredictable.
As the general election campaign intensifies, voters can expect more such clashes over campaign ethics, authenticity, and the tactical voting strategies employed by all major parties.
