Nigel Farage firmly stated that “the bad apples have been expunged” from Reform UK, after receiving widespread criticism for his perceived lack of leadership in addressing alleged cases of racism within his party. Following the withdrawal of the party’s support for three candidates amid escalating racism concerns in the last week of the general election, Farage declared that he would “never welcome them back”.
At a Reform rally in Birmingham last Sunday, Farage argued that a video showing a party member insulting Rishi Sunak by using a racial slur was employed as part of a “slander campaign” against Reform UK. Activists from the Clacton constituency in Essex, where Farage intends to gain victory, were filmed by an undercover journalist from Channel 4 making racially insensitive remarks about the prime minister, who has Indian heritage. Also, activist Andrew Parker was shown using racial slurs against Sunak and discussing the idea of considering immigrants arriving in the UK by boat as “targets”.
The re-election of Ursula von der Leyen as the president of the European Commission took only a few hours.
Another activist referred to the Pride flag as “decadent,” insinuating the LGBT community consists of paedophiles. As Farage addressed a large audience on Sunday, he described Reform as a nascent entity which had its share of bad apples.
Channel 4’s claim that activist Andrew Parker, who is also an actor, was unwittingly used to perform an undercover investigation into Farage’s campaign was vehemently denied by the broadcasting company.
Parker stated to the PA news agency that his role as an actor was separate from his volunteer work for Reform UK, a party whose principles he fully supports. He expressed regret for his comments, saying he was provoked into making them.
Meanwhile, Reform has confirmed the discontinuation of support for candidates Leslie Lilley in Southend East and Rochford; Edward Oakenfull in Derbyshire Dales; and Robert Lomas in Barnsley North.
Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer, voiced his solidarity with Sunak’s “repulsion” regarding the use of the slur, which the prime minister has vociferously denounced as “abhorrent” and “racist”.
In response to allegations that Mr Parker was a compensated actor, Channel 4 staunchly defended itself. According to a statement by a representative from the broadcasting station, their first encounter with Mr Parker was at the headquarters of the Reform UK party where he was engaging in canvassing activities for the party.
Popular political figure, Mr Farage, has also echoed accusations towards the BBC concerning their Question Time audience on Friday. Amid inquiries about his party’s supporters, he alleged the gathering was manipulated – an assertion the public broadcaster strongly refuted. In a rally speech, Mr Farage vowed that his party, dubbed as “the principal voice of dissent”, would spearhead a movement to nullify the TV licence fee, alleging that the BBC had exploited its commanding position.
Asserting that the Conservative Party was disunited on almost all fronts, he cited recurring internal squabbles within the Tory ranks over the last four years. He lambasted the Conservatives for their lack of clear principles, despite claims of being an encompassing political force. As such, his party will resume its campaign against the alleged misuse of power by the state broadcaster with greater zeal, leading a renewed charge to end the BBC’s licence fee.
Mr Farage did not hold back on his criticism of political figures like Mr Sunak and Keir Starmer. He blasted the Prime Minister with the moniker “elusive Sunak, the grandest fabricator since Blair”, and dismissed the Labour leader for possessing “the allure of a sodden cloth.”