Reform UK suspends members after undercover investigation reveals shocking comments
Reform UK has suspended party members following an undercover investigation by ITV that recorded councillors and election candidates making derogatory comments about Muslims and Black children, reports BritPanorama.
The footage, part of a documentary titled “Undercover: A Year In Reform,” captured significant instances of racism and extremism among party representatives during local elections in May and subsequent by-elections in 2025 and 2026. One senior councillor from Solihull was filmed proposing violent measures against Asian individuals, stating they should be “dragged out of their homes” and forcefully expelled from the UK.
In one particularly disturbing exchange, Reform Councillor Alan Feeney referred to the presence of Asian families in his area as an “infestation,” calling them “absolute parasites.” Another male councillor made a derogatory comment regarding a female candidate, implying that if she were his daughter, it would still be “bath night on a Thursday.”
Reacting to the revelations, Reform UK condemned the conduct of the individuals caught on tape and characterized ITV’s investigation as employing “extreme methods of deception.” The party emphasized that not all persons covertly recorded were members of Reform UK and stated that investigations and suspensions would occur where inappropriate behavior was evident. They acknowledged ongoing improvements to their vetting procedures but asserted that instances of individuals not aligning with the party’s values could still arise, claiming, “This is the same for all organisations.”
Feeney, who was filmed expressing vehemently anti-Muslim sentiments, resigned from the party citing “personal reasons,” following the airing of the investigation. Another councillor, Chris Whelan, also stepped down for personal and health-related issues. ITV reported on Monday evening that Feeney would continue his political career as an Independent.
One council candidate expressed intentions of training young men in “insurgency tactics” to conduct violent operations against minority communities. He said he would have them “going street by street, house by house,” reflecting a clear advocacy for extreme violence.
Labour chair Bridget Phillipson described the content of the investigation as “truly sickening” and demanded accountability from Nigel Farage, emphasizing that the party’s culture requires immediate reform to root out racism. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey characterized the actions as “chilling” and noted the potential impact of such sentiments on community safety.
A spokesman for the Conservative Party criticized Farage’s leadership, stating that these incidents undermine the party’s credibility and commitment to governance. The fallout from this investigation continues to underline significant challenges regarding extremism within UK political discourse.
As pressures mount on Reform UK to comprehensively address issues of racism among its members, the implications for party leadership and public trust are becoming increasingly pronounced.
