Rift Widens in Reform UK as Second Candidate Defects to Tories Amid Racism Allegations

Second Reform Party Candidate Defects to Conservatives, Citing Racism and Misogyny

Georgie David, previously running for the constituencies of West Ham and Beckton, has become the second individual to switch allegiance to the Conservative Party due to claims of racist attitudes within Reform UK.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, July 2, 2024 12:04

A candidate from the Reform party has halted her political campaign and joined the Conservatives, stating that the "overwhelming majority" of her former colleagues in Nigel Farage's party exhibit "racist, misogynistic, and bigoted" behaviors.

Georgie David, who ran for office in West Ham and Beckton, has become the second individual to leave Reform UK following claims of racist behavior within the party.

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In an official release from the Conservative Party, she expressed her belief that while the party and its top leaders are not racist, she feels a significant number of the candidates running under its banner are.

She declared her resignation, stating, "I am officially stepping down from the Reform Party and withdrawing as their representative for Westham and Beckton, effective immediately.

"I firmly believe that the party and its top officials are not prejudiced."

"Given that the overwhelming number of candidates clearly harbor racist, misogynistic, and intolerant beliefs, I prefer to distance myself from individuals whose views starkly contrast with my own values and principles."

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Ms. David expressed that while she believes the issues have not reached the top levels of the party leadership, she is "deeply troubled and disappointed" by their lack of substantial action to address the matter.

She continued, "Their efforts to simply sweep it under the rug or claim unfair treatment.

"Therefore, I have decided to halt my campaign with Reform and throw my support behind the Conservative Party. I urge all my fellow patriots to follow suit."

Two days following a Reform party candidate in Erewash switching allegiance to the Conservatives, concerns about racism were cited as the reason for the defection.

Liam Booth-Isherwood expressed growing disappointment with the conduct of the party, criticizing its leader, Mr. Farage, for not handling matters with the necessary gravity.

The departures come in the wake of a scandal involving Reform party activist Andrew Parker, who was recorded using a racial epithet to describe the prime minister during a covert probe conducted by Channel 4.

Reform UK was compelled to remove a number of their electoral candidates due to their engagement in making racist comments.

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Mr. Farage has declined to issue an apology, stating that the problematic members have been removed from his party. Regarding the canvasser, he asserted that the individual was a "paid actor" attempting to tarnish his campaign—a claim both Channel 4 and Mr. Parker have refuted.

In the video, Mr. Parker was recorded using the derogatory term "P***" in reference to the prime minister, labeling Islam as a "repulsive cult," and suggesting that the military should "simply shoot" migrants attempting to cross the Channel.

A different campaign worker labeled the Pride flag as "corrupt" and insinuated that individuals from the LGBT community are involved in pedophilia.

Additional Information: Royal Mail Points to Government for Delay in Postal Ballots. What is Reform UK and What Do They Stand For?

Over the weekend, Reform UK pulled its backing from multiple candidates due to racist comments. This included a candidate who reportedly stated that black people need to "get off [their] lazy arses" and cease behaving "like savages".

On Sunday, Mr. Farage refuted accusations of inciting bigotry, stating on Sky News that he has no interest in associating with anyone holding racist views.

When questioned about the tendency of racists and extremists to align with his party, the ex-leader of UKIP explained that after effectively dismantling the far-right BNP, individuals with similar inclinations, now lacking a political base, tend to drift towards his party.

Other contestants from West Ham and Beckton include:

James Edward Asser – Labour Party

Lois Austin – Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition

Emily Bigland – Liberal Democrats

Rob Callender – Green Party

Sophia Naqvi – Newham Independents Party

Holly Alice Ramsey – Conservative and Unionist Party

Kayode Shedowo – Christian Peoples Alliance

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