Reform UK has removed three of its candidates from active support after reports emerged that they had made offensive or racist comments, according to a party

spokesman. The candidates affected are Edward Oakenfull, running in Derbyshire Dales; Robert Lomas, a candidate in Barnsley North; and Leslie Lilley, standing in Southend East and Rochford. Despite being dropped, their names will remain on the ballot as it is too late to remove them.

A spokesman for Reform UK stated that if any of the three are elected, they will serve as independent MPs. Nonetheless, the party encouraged voters to support these candidates if they wish to show their support for Reform UK’s platform.

The decision follows party leader Nigel Farage’s public disavowal of the candidates during an appearance on BBC Question Time, where he stated, "I want nothing to do with them."

When asked what Reform UK would advise voters in the affected constituencies, the party spokesman suggested voting for the candidates on the ballot paper to support the party's policies, even though the situation is not ideal. He emphasized the importance of Reform UK’s national vote share.

Offensive Comments by Candidates

Edward Oakenfull posted derogatory comments about the IQ of sub-Saharan Africans on social media last year, which he claimed were taken out of context. Robert Lomas reportedly made racist remarks about black people, and Leslie Lilley described people arriving on small boats as "scum" in a social media post, expressing a wish for harm to their families. Farage addressed these comments on BBC Question Time, acknowledging that offensive comments can be found in all parties but attributing the situation to the rush to find candidates after the snap election was announced.

Broader Issues and Reactions

Reform UK has faced scrutiny over its candidate selection process, with more offensive social media posts emerging from its candidates than from those of other parties. The party blamed a background check company for failing to vet candidates adequately.

Additionally, Farage faced criticism following a Channel 4 broadcast of a recording where Andrew Parker, a canvasser for Reform UK, used a racist term about Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Sunak expressed his anger, particularly about the impact on his daughters. Farage condemned the comments as a "tirade of invective abuse" and suggested the situation was a political setup.

Reform UK reported Channel 4 to the Electoral Commission for alleged election interference and called for an Ofcom investigation. Channel 4 News stood by its report, asserting the integrity of its journalism.

Essex Police and Hertfordshire Police investigated the comments, with the latter arresting and then releasing Parker with no further action. Another volunteer filmed in the report, George Jones, was described by Farage as making "vulgar, drunk and wrong" comments but was no longer involved in the campaign.

Political Fallout

Both Labour and Conservative parties criticized Farage's leadership. Security Minister Tom Tugendhat highlighted a pattern of racist and misogynistic views within Reform UK, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer shared Prime Minister Sunak’s disgust and criticized Farage for failing to maintain appropriate standards within his party. Photo by Owain.davies, Wikimedia commons.