Reform Candidate Grant StClair-Armstrong Steps Down Amid Controversy Over Past Endorsement of Extremist Views

Reform candidate steps down due to past controversial social media remarks

Grant StClair-Armstrong has withdrawn his candidacy from the Essex constituency of Saffron Walden, previously held by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch.

Political journalist @Journoamrogers

Sunday, June 16, 2024, 11:

The Reform Party has agreed to the resignation of an election candidate following the emergence of past social media comments deemed unacceptable.

Grant StClair-Armstrong, a candidate in the Saffron Walden constituency in Essex, formerly represented by Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch, stepped down after The Times revealed that he had once urged voters to support the British National Party (BNP).

According to the newspaper, StClair-Armstrong expressed in a 2010 blog post: "It brings me to tears whenever I read a British newspaper and see the current situation in the UK. Undoubtedly, Enoch Powell would feel similarly if he were still alive. My recommendation is to cast your vote for the BNP!"

When reached by The Times for his response to the remarks, Mr. StClair-Armstrong stated that he had "no excuses."

"I have no justification for it," he remarked. "In my opinion, they are a reprehensible group. I am not a fan of the English Defence League. I don't approve of them."

Breaking news: Local bar becomes official party; Farage set to unveil Reform policy platform in Wales

The ex-contender additionally stated his intention to submit his resignation, noting, "I genuinely see no other option."

Further Details on the 2024 General Election

Thinktank Predicts Additional 670,000 Children Affected by Two-Child Limit Over Five Years

Nigel Farage set to unveil 'agreement with the citizens' in Wales after favorable poll results

In the closely contested district of North East Fife, the outcome of the general election remains up for grabs.

Related Topics:

A representative from Reform informed Sky News, "Mr StClair-Armstrong has submitted his resignation from Reform UK following the emergence of inappropriate past social media remarks, which we have accepted."

He stepped down from his position just one day prior to Nigel Farage's scheduled unveiling of the party's policies in South Wales on Monday afternoon.

Last week, a Reform party candidate issued an apology for a previous online comment suggesting that Britain should have accepted Hitler's proposal for neutrality rather than engaging in combat with the Nazis during World War II.

Ian Gribbin, the candidate for the Bexhill and Battle constituency in East Sussex, expressed his apologies and fully retracted his statements during an interview with Sky News.

👆 Tap this link to subscribe to Electoral Dysfunction on your preferred podcast platform 👇

He expressed his frustration, noting that his comments were "misinterpreted," and he clarified that his mother descended from Russian Jews who escaped persecution.

Stay informed with the most recent updates from the UK and across the globe by tuning into Sky News.

Rishi Sunak caught his adversaries off guard by announcing a 4 July election date, despite earlier suggestions that it would occur in the later part of fall.

Addressing Mr. Gribbin's situation previously, Mr. Farage explained that his party "didn't have enough time" to thoroughly screen candidates.

Discover further details on Sky News: Euro 2024 saw England secure a 1-0 victory over Serbia in a tense first game. Farage is set to introduce a 'contract with the people' in Wales.

The leader of the Reform party stated that all groups will face difficulties with candidate selections due to the rapid pace required to choose representatives after the election announcement.

The individuals running for office in Saffron Walden include:

The individuals running for election in Bexhill and Battle include:

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels Under Sky

Additional Sky Websites