Reform UK is under fresh scrutiny after ITV undercover filming raised questions about candidate vetting and showed figures linked to the party making offensive remarks. The party says it has strengthened procedures and removed or suspended those involved.
01Summary
- 01ITV News said its filming, gathered over a year, showed a local Reform chairman advising an undercover reporter to delete posts supporting Tommy Robinson.
- 02A former Reform candidate, Alex Lomas, claimed he failed vetting twice but was later asked to stand, which Reform denies.
- 03The film also showed comments about councillor candidates and includes footage of MP Sarah Pochin saying the party needed women press officers.
- 04Reform leader Nigel Farage said two years ago that candidate vetting would be tightened after several candidates were dropped for offensive or racist comments.
- 05Reform said a small number of people who do not share its values can initially get through vetting, but it said it had improved and prioritised the process.
02Why it matters
The revelations add pressure on Reform UK’s claims about standards and discipline, at a time when it is trying to present itself as a serious national party. They may affect voter trust and raise wider questions about how all parties screen candidates.
Pulse AIAsk about this story
Answers are generated by AI from the story summary; they are not investment, health or legal advice.
