Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, has faced significant controversy during the current election cycle, culminating in the dropping of three candidates due to offensive or racist remarks they made.
Despite their removal from the party, Edward Oakenfull, Robert Lomas, and Leslie Lilley will still appear on the ballot under the Reform banner, as it was too late to withdraw their candidacies. A spokesperson clarified that if any were elected, they would sit as independent MPs, disavowing their association with Reform UK.
Nigel Farage publicly distanced himself from the candidates during a BBC Question Time appearance, stating unequivocally, “I want nothing to do with them.” Nevertheless, the party spokesman encouraged voters to support Reform UK’s broader policy platform by still voting for these candidates on the ballot.
This move was seen as an attempt to salvage support while acknowledging the controversy surrounding their candidates.
The offensive comments that led to their dismissal included Edward Oakenfull’s derogatory remarks about the IQ of sub-Saharan Africans, Robert Lomas’s racially charged statements about black people, and Leslie Lilley’s inflammatory comments on social media regarding immigrants arriving by boat.
These incidents have underscored ongoing scrutiny over Reform UK’s candidate selection process, which has been marred by several instances of candidates’ past social media posts resurfacing.
In addition to candidate controversies, Reform UK faced backlash after a Channel 4 News report exposed a party canvasser using a racist slur against Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Nigel Farage condemned the incident as a setup but faced criticism for inadequate vetting of party members and volunteers.
The party’s response included reporting Channel 4 to election watchdogs and media regulators, further intensifying the public scrutiny surrounding their campaign.
Criticism has not been limited to Reform UK’s candidate selection. Political opponents, including figures from Labour and the Conservatives, have condemned Nigel Farage’s leadership, accusing him of failing to address pervasive issues of racism and misconduct within the party.
Security Minister Tom Tugendhat highlighted a pattern of problematic views among Reform UK members, emphasizing the need for stronger due diligence in candidate selection.
Reform UK’s handling of these controversies has highlighted broader concerns about the party’s internal culture and leadership. As the election approaches, the fallout from these incidents continues to shape public perception and political discourse surrounding Reform UK and its place in the electoral landscape.
