Reform UK is engulfed in a racism scandal after councillors and election candidates were filmed making racist and extreme comments. The undercover footage, broadcast by ITV on Wednesday, shows graphic threats of extreme violence and misogynistic views. Three councillors have already resigned, and party leader Nigel Farage has postponed a major announcement as the fallout deepens.
What the Undercover Footage Revealed
The ITV investigation, which spanned a year, captured Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull, calling Asian homeowners "parasites" and stating that "no more than 1% of [the] British population can be non-white". Feeney, who won seats on Birmingham City Council and Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, has since left Reform. Other councillors and candidates were recorded making violent and discriminatory remarks.
Reform UK's Response and Resignations
Reform UK said it is conducting an investigation into the first revelations. Three councillors have stood down from the party. Farage has repeatedly pledged to rid Reform of "extremists" and "bigots" and to introduce vetting. The party claims it carries out vetting checks on all candidates, but the scandal raises questions about the effectiveness of those checks.
The Political Fallout
The scandal is a major blow to Reform UK, which has been trying to position itself as a mainstream political force. Farage's postponed announcement in Essex was expected to be a significant moment for the party. Further revelations from undercover filming of senior Reform politicians and officials at its UK headquarters are expected in the coming days.
Key Takeaways
- Reform UK councillors and candidates were filmed making racist and extreme comments.
- Three councillors have resigned, and an investigation is underway.
- Nigel Farage has postponed a major announcement due to the scandal.
- Further revelations from ITV's undercover investigation are expected.
Comparing Reform UK's Vetting Claims to Reality
| Claim | Reality |
|---|---|
| Reform UK carries out vetting checks on all candidates. | Councillors and candidates were filmed making racist and extreme comments. |
| Farage pledges to rid party of extremists. | Three councillors have resigned amid the scandal. |
| Party is ready for a major announcement. | Announcement postponed due to fallout. |
What This Means for Reform UK's Future
The scandal could damage Reform UK's credibility and electoral prospects. It remains to be seen whether the party can contain the fallout and regain public trust. With further revelations expected, the pressure on Farage and his team is likely to intensify.

FAQ
What did the Reform UK councillors say?
They made racist and extreme comments, including calling Asian homeowners "parasites" and making violent threats.
How many councillors have resigned?
Three councillors have resigned from Reform UK.
What has Nigel Farage said about the scandal?
Farage has not yet made a detailed statement, but he has previously pledged to rid the party of extremists.