Nigel Farage has been accused of protecting a Reform UK candidate who made racist remarks about David Lammy, according to an undercover investigation by ITV. The revelations have sparked fresh controversy for the party and its leader.
Undercover Investigation Exposes Internal Tensions
The investigation secretly recorded senior Reform officials discussing the case of Chris Parry, a retired rear admiral selected to contest the Hampshire and the Solent mayoral election. Parry had said that former foreign secretary David Lammy should "go home to the Caribbean" and suggested that other minority ethnic politicians do not have primary loyalty to the UK.
Despite these remarks, Farage initially resisted calls to sack Parry, according to footage obtained by ITV. Ed Sumner, Reform's head of communications, was filmed saying Parry was "clearly a racist" and that he needed to go. However, Parry remained a candidate for months until the Guardian revealed further remarks, leading to his suspension in March.
Farage's Role in the Controversy
The footage shows Farage pushing back against senior advisers who urged him to remove Parry. This has led to accusations that Farage was more concerned with protecting his candidate than addressing racism within the party. The incident raises questions about the party's vetting procedures and commitment to equality.
Reform UK's Response
Reform UK has not yet issued a formal response to the latest allegations. The party has previously stated that it does not tolerate racism and that all candidates are expected to uphold its values.
Sexism Allegations Within Reform
The undercover investigation also revealed sexism allegations. Sarah Pochin, one of two female MPs for Reform, complained that other party officials "are so fucking chauvinistic" and that "they just exclude you if you are a woman." This adds to the growing scrutiny of the party's internal culture.
Key Takeaways
- Farage accused of protecting a candidate who made racist remarks about David Lammy.
- Undercover footage shows senior officials calling for the candidate's removal.
- Reform UK faces allegations of sexism from within its own ranks.
- The party suspended the candidate only after further revelations.
Comparison of Reactions
| Party | Action Taken | Time to Act |
|---|---|---|
| Reform UK | Suspended candidate after months | March 2025 |
| Other Parties | Immediate suspension | Within days |
This table highlights the delayed response by Reform UK compared to other parties that typically act swiftly in similar situations.
FAQ
What did Chris Parry say about David Lammy?
Chris Parry said that David Lammy should "go home to the Caribbean" and suggested that other minority ethnic politicians do not have primary loyalty to the UK.
How did Nigel Farage respond to the allegations?
Farage initially pushed back against calls to sack Parry, according to undercover footage. He has not yet commented on the latest allegations.
What are the sexism allegations within Reform UK?
Sarah Pochin, a Reform MP, complained that party officials are chauvinistic and exclude women.