Key facts
- Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick defended Nigel Farage against racism allegations.
- An ITV investigation revealed Reform officials and candidates making racist and extremist remarks.
Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick defended Nigel Farage against allegations of racism, stating Farage has "probably done more than almost anybody to stand against racism and the far right." The comments follow an ITV investigation revealing racist and extremist remarks by Reform candidates and officials.
The allegations of racism and extremism within Reform UK, a significant political party, raise questions about its vetting processes and leadership's tolerance for such views, potentially impacting its electoral prospects and public perception.
Reform UK MP Robert Jenrick defended party leader Nigel Farage against allegations of racism and extremism, claiming Farage has "probably done more than almost anybody to stand against racism and the far right." Jenrick's remarks came after an ITV investigation revealed racist and misogynistic comments made by Reform candidates and officials.
The investigation showed a senior Reform official warning Farage that he was "protecting" a mayoral candidate accused of making racist remarks about former Labour deputy prime minister David Lammy. Reform MP Sarah Pochin was also featured complaining about "chauvinistic" party officials who "exclude you if you are a woman."
Further footage revealed Reform councillor Alan Feeney calling Asian homeowners "parasites" and stating that "no more than 1% of [the] British population can be non-white." The party eventually suspended mayoral candidate Chris Parry in March after he made remarks about politicians of minority ethnic backgrounds, though Farage was shown pushing back against sacking him.
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