LONDON, Oct 14 — Members of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK Party have been captured on video making a series of racist, sexual, and violent remarks, as revealed in an undercover investigation conducted by ITV for an upcoming documentary. The film, titled “Undercover: A Year In Reform,” is set to air on October 18.
The footage includes comments made by an elected local politician who referred to Asian homeowners as “parasites” while openly expressing anti-Muslim sentiments during his campaign for local elections earlier this year. Another candidate discussed the notion of burying pork chops to obstruct the construction of a new mosque. Both individuals were elected to office, according to the documentary’s findings.
In further disturbing revelations, one candidate was seen using a derogatory term for people from Pakistan and making explicit sexual comments about a fellow party member. Another Reform councillor expressed a desire to “take out” illegal migrants entering the country, and a different councillor disclosed to an undercover reporter that he identified as “so, so far-right” and advocated training young men in military tactics to apprehend immigrants.
The Reform UK Party has recently experienced a decline in opinion polls, falling behind the Labour Party, which has regained support under new leader Prime Minister Andy Burnham. This shift in public sentiment follows earlier allegations concerning the party’s financial practices.
In response to the aired footage, Reform UK stated that it has initiated investigations into the conduct of its members and that some have already been suspended. The party emphasized its commitment to improving and prioritizing vetting procedures, acknowledging that a small number of individuals who do not align with the party’s values might have slipped through the process.
Additionally, police are pursuing inquiries into the party regarding potential violations of political donations laws. In September, authorities announced they would investigate claims that party officials planned to breach electoral regulations concerning foreign funding. Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing related to its financial matters.
The documentary’s excerpts have prompted renewed scrutiny ahead of a general election scheduled for 2029, in which Reform UK seeks to regain momentum.
