Reform UK in Turmoil: Farage Urged to ‘Get a Grip’ as Party Drops Candidates Amid Racism Scandal

Reform UK has removed three candidates amid ongoing racism controversies surrounding the party. Critics have urged Nigel Farage to take control and address the persistent allegations of racist behavior among his candidates.

Political journalist @realBenBloch

Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 10

Reform UK has rescinded its endorsement of three parliamentary candidates amid escalating accusations of racism within the party.

Nigel Farage's party has withdrawn its backing for Edward Oakenfull, who is contesting the Derbyshire Dales, Robert Lomas, a candidate in Barnsley North, and Leslie Lilley, in the Southend East and Rochford race, following the surfacing of purported comments by them in the press.

Leaders from various political parties have united in their criticism of Reform UK, urging Mr. Farage to take control and stabilize his party.

Oakenfull has been temporarily removed from his position following allegations that he authored social media entries concerning the intelligence quotient of individuals from sub-Saharan Africa, which he claimed to the BBC were "misinterpreted."

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According to The Times, Lomas remarked that Black individuals need to stop being lazy and refrain from behaving savagely.

According to the newspaper, Lilley referred to individuals arriving in small boats as "scum" and added, "I hope your family gets robbed, beaten, or attacked."

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Following the closure of the candidate registration period, the trio of contenders will stay on the voting slip, even though they no longer receive the backing of Reform UK.

Controversy Over Racial

The choice to exclude these candidates follows significant controversy over racism within the party, which escalated after Channel 4 news broadcasted covertly recorded video showing Andrew Parker, a campaigner for Mr Farage, using a racial epithet to refer to the prime minister, calling Islam a "disgusting cult," and suggesting that migrants crossing the Channel should be shot by the military.

Leaders from various political parties criticized Reform UK, and Rishi Sunak responded angrily to the remarks, stating that Mr. Farage needed to "address some concerns."

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He stated: "My two daughters are subjected to Reform advocates who support Nigel Farage, using racial slurs against me. This causes us pain and anger, and I believe Farage needs to address some issues."

"I say this with careful consideration, emphasizing the significance of addressing this matter directly and unequivocally."

Parker conveyed to Sky News that he was "completely foolish," he has taken the lesson to heart, and asserted there was "no racial intent" in his remarks.

Reform UK has announced that it has filed a complaint with the electoral authorities against Channel 4, accusing the broadcaster of "outrageous… interference" for allegedly inserting a fabricated tirade into their coverage.

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The media outlet has dismissed the accusations outright, stating, "We firmly uphold our thorough and appropriately unbiased reporting, which is evident in itself. Our initial meeting with Mr. Parker occurred at the headquarters of the Reform UK party, where he was actively involved as a canvasser for the Reform party.

"Reform UK's canvasser, nor anyone else mentioned in this segment, received compensation from us. Channel 4 News had no prior acquaintance with Mr. Parker, who was secretly recorded during the undercover investigation."

The Electoral Commission has acknowledged receiving reports that Reform UK has requested an investigation.

However, the commission stated that it "had not received such a letter," noting that it would "review [the letter's] contents" should it arrive.

A representative from the commission stated that Channel 4 News, being a licensed broadcaster, is not subject to its oversight.

Officials stated that the enforcement of any regulations related to the possible slander of political candidates would fall under the jurisdiction of law enforcement authorities.

Inquiries to Respond

During a BBC Question Time Leaders' Special on Friday evening, Mr. Farage was bombarded with inquiries about the controversy, where he stated that he refuses to apologize for the behavior of individuals linked to his party.

When questioned about why his party seems to appeal to racists and extremists, the ex-UKIP leader asserted that he has "done more than anyone else alive to expel the far right from British politics," referring to his opposition to the British Nationalist Party (BNP) ten years earlier.

He seemed to distance himself from his predecessor Richard Tice by criticizing the racist and xenophobic remarks made by Reform candidates. He claimed he "inherited a start-up party" and expressed ignorance about the reasons behind the selection of those individuals who made such comments.

Today, Mr. Farage criticized the BBC, announcing that he will not participate in the network's Sunday morning political program hosted by Laura Kuenssberg unless they issue an apology for what he called their "dishonest" audience selection. He accused the broadcaster of acting like a political participant during this election season.

Yet, leaders from every party have denounced the controversial right-wing figure.

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Sir Keir Starmer stated to Sky News that it is up to Mr Farage to establish the standard for his party, noting, "It’s insufficient for Nigel Farage to disassociate himself from specific remarks only after they've been made."

The head of the Labour Party emphasized that Mr. Farage is actively involved, pointing out that he is the leader of Reform UK, not merely an observer.

He also stated: "It's crucial for leaders to establish the tone and standards, and to act accordingly, so that everyone understands from the outset what behaviors are acceptable and which are not."

Insights into Nigel Farage's Thinking from Reform Critiques

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Today, the intensity and number of attacks emanating from the Reform party have significantly increased, even by their own usual standards.

Concerns have been raised with Ofcom, the Electoral Commission, and the Essex Police.

The BBC opted for a boycott; Channel 4 covered the news, while a previous activist was left isolated.

This reveals more about Nigel Farage's way of thinking than his choice to suspend three candidates due to their online posts.

With the election just five days away, will these ongoing scandals sway a significant number of voters?

The extent to which you agree with the controversy surrounding the Reform leader's remarks on Russia and Putin likely hinges on your alignment with the party's objectives.

Among the true believers, discussions of insider manipulation will resonate and gain support.

However, hesitant Conservatives flirting with the idea of Reform might feel more uneasy about these discussions surrounding racism and a major media plot.

To conclude.

Two weeks ago, Nigel Farage insisted on being recognized as a major contender in the election, referencing a survey that showed him leading over the Conservatives.

However, increased exposure also leads to greater examination.

It's reasonable to say that Reform has faced just that in the past week.

"Take control"

The Labour Party's defense spokesperson urged Mr. Farage to take control of his party in light of the accusations of racism, as reported by Sky News.

John Healey remarked, "I believe he's escalating a dispute about this Channel 4 movie to divert attention from the reality that within the Reform party, there are officials and candidates who have made racist, anti-gay, and other profoundly derogatory remarks."

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"It's up to Farage to address these issues. Ultimately, the ethos and norms of a political party are defined by its leader, and Nigel Farage aims to be recognized as such a leader."

"He must take control of his party, which he is currently struggling to do."

Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, expressed his strong disapproval of Reform's political stance, stating, "I deplore it. I deprecate it. I want nothing to do with it."

"He emphasized their firm stance against racist and homophobic remarks, expressing disbelief that Nigel Farage could manage an issue he is accused of initiating."

The leader of the SNP asserted that the issue at hand is not merely about a few isolated incidents, but rather "a deep-seated problem of Reform."

Discover more: Authorities swiftly evaluating racist remarks by Reform members. Accusations of 'antisemitic' messages against Reform candidates. Reform campaigner admits he was 'completely foolish'

He stated: "Nigel Farage is the architect behind this. He has fueled the entire situation. Through his rhetoric over the years, he has provoked the existing intolerance and bias in our society.

"I wish to completely disassociate myself from it. Moreover, I believe there's little Nigel Farage can do to halt it, given that he's the one who initiated it."

Sir Ed Davey, the head of the Liberal Democrats, stated that his party members and candidates have no common values with Mr. Farage.

"He can handle his own issues. As the leader of the Liberal Democrats, my role is to explain our party's principles to you."

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Here are all the individuals running for office in the Derbyshire Dales district:

The complete roster of contenders for Barnsley North includes:

Here is the complete roster of individuals running for office in Southend East and Rochford:

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