As Reform UK surges in the polls, scrutiny of its candidates has intensified due to resurfaced social media posts containing extreme and controversial content. These posts, featuring inflammatory comments on immigration and race, conspiracy theories, and disparaging remarks about political opponents, have drawn significant attention.
The fallout is twofold: critics argue these views reflect deeper issues within the party, while some supporters see the candidates as challengers to political correctness.
Nigel Farage, central to Reform UK’s revival, has embarked on a media blitz to mitigate the damage, focusing on the party’s new pledges. However, the controversy over past social media activity complicates these efforts, forcing the party to address both its policy platform and the character of its representatives.
Reform candidates derogatory comments
In Scotland, Jo Hart, candidate for Aberdeenshire North and Moray East, faced criticism after The Daily Mail and The Telegraph reported on 19 June 2024, her derogatory comments about the royal family shortly after the Queen’s death. Similarly, Dionne Moore, running in Glasgow West, has come under fire for Islamophobic posts from 2019, as reported by Sky News on 18 June 2024. A local student newspaper uncovered the story, with the support of the charity Hope Not Hate.
Troubling posts by Reform revealed by citizen journalism and search tools
With the rise of citizen journalism and the availability of advanced search tools on platforms like Twitter (now X), more troubling posts by Reform UK candidates continue to emerge. From Covid-19 conspiracy theories to Islamophobic remarks and endorsements of Trump – related conspiracies, the digital footprints of these candidates reveal a pattern of extreme rhetoric.
Notably, several candidates have promoted debunked Covid-19 conspiracies, casting doubt on vaccines and lockdown measures. For instance, Derek Winton, the candidate for Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, made the following posts on X. On 14 October 2022, he tweeted:
“The standard defense of pro-lockdown authoritarian ghouls and vaccine proto-fascists now seems to be: ‘based on the facts at the time.’ They weren’t facts. They were unfounded claims based on hysteria, panic, malice and corruption. Shame on all of you. #unvaccinated #PfizerGate”
He also tweeted on 23 March 2022:
“Why would anyone under 18 or anyone who runs a business ever vote SNP? This is outrageous political theatre to appease unions and the public sector. Masks. Do not. Work!”
Another Reform candidate, Melville Jameson from Edinburgh North and Leith, has posted Islamophobic messages. On 28 March 2022, in response to Conservative Minister Michael Gove’s tweet about tackling anti-Muslim hatred, Jameson posted:
“How about anti-Christian hatred by Muslims? (lots of that about) Or hatred of Muslims for Jews? (even more of that) Don’t they count?”
He also tweeted on 11 May 2022:
“Anyone else think that the authorities wouldn’t dare touch Ede, or Dirwali? Yet it was Christianity that abolished slavery. Not Islam, or Hinduism, or Sikhism. It was Christianity and our own Christian nation, the UK, responsible for that greatest of achievements.”
And:
“(Of course, Muslims are living in the 14th century according to their calendar, but that’s still not an excuse)”
In Glasgow South, Reform candidate Danny Raja has promoted the conspiracy theory that the US election was stolen. On 5 February 2020, he posted:
“President Trump listing his achievements whilst the Dems are still struggling to deliver a valid result in Iowa. This is set to be a monumental week for #PresidentTrump!”
On 15 April 2022, and on other occasions, he used social media to support Marine Le Pen and her party, National Rally. He also shared similar posts from France’s nationalist and far-right political groups, such as Reconquête. Additionally, Raja has organised calls urging mainstream media to pay more attention to smaller political parties like Reform, calling for debates involving right-wing groups like the Scottish Family Party, UKIP, and divisive figures like George Galloway. On 1 April 2021, he tweeted:
“Join @ReformUKScot and @scotfamparty in calling for and making a medium-sized parties debate happen between Reform, Family Party, @AlbaParty, @UKIP, @Alliance4Unity and @FreedomAllian11!”
Separate from the cases of Reform candidates’ online blunders, existing Conservative Party members are working to amplify their reach. John White from the Glasgow Conservatives, supported by Darren Grimes’ alt – media platform “Reasoned,” has been active in this regard. White has a significant following on X, where he shared videos claiming sectarianism related to SNP candidates campaigning on the Palestine issue and provocative content from Rangers’ Union Bears attacking SNP ministers.
On 31 January 2024, he posted a photo with Nigel Farage and Arlene Foster, captioned:
“Happy Brexit day to all those who celebrate! 📸Mr. Brexit himself Nigel_Farage”
He regularly promotes Farage-friendly media posts, propagates messaging from Reform, and uses Darren Grimes’ Reasoned for better reach, with Grimes being a key Farage ally.
White also shows interest in France’s far-right politics, posting about a campaign stop to support Marine Le Pen and her party, National Rally:
“I recently had the chance to be invited along to the Nice RN office whilst exploring the city. It was great to learn about the make-up of French politics and the fight to reclaim the country.”
Role of social media in political vetting and its impact on political debates
The ongoing revelations underscore the critical role of social media in political vetting and its profound impact on public perception and political debates. My quick search suggests there are likely more hidden stories among Reform’s new faces. Notably, many Reform candidates lack an online presence, perhaps to avoid scrutiny. Election candidates must be held to the highest standards, especially in trust-based elections. The Conservatives amplifying Farage’s voice is their choice, but it raises concerns about the lengths they will go to for wider political gains.
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