Nigel Farage has defended the candidate screening procedures of Reform UK following the publication of undercover media footage showing party figures making racist, violent, and sexist statements.
An investigation conducted by ITV News over the course of a year captured several party candidates and councillors engaging in offensive behavior across England and Wales.
Speaking to the BBC, the Reform leader maintained that his party screens applicants to a higher standard than rival political organizations. However, he argued that screening mechanisms cannot prevent individuals from making inappropriate remarks after they have been approved.
Farage noted that while background checks involve reviewing an individual's resume and social media history, it remains impossible to forecast what someone might say under the influence of alcohol or when provoked. He stressed that individuals who express such views are unwelcome within the party and confirmed that swift disciplinary measures would be applied.
The documentary footage highlighted several specific incidents involving local politicians. Among them is Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and the deputy mayor of Solihull, who joined the party after leaving the Conservatives in 2025. In the secret recordings, Feeney used derogatory language regarding Asian residents and suggested severe restrictions on the non-white population.
Farage pointed out that the most serious incident involved a politician with a long history in the Conservative Party. He also suggested that similar undercover operations targeting Labour or Conservative representatives would likely uncover unpalatable remarks across all political groups.
Other individuals captured in the broadcast include Reform candidates Jamie Campbell and Chris Whelan. The footage showed the pair discussing plans involving pork products to deter the construction of a mosque, alongside making crude remarks about a female candidate from Birmingham.
Representatives for Reform UK in Solihull strongly condemned the conduct shown in the recordings. Feeney has since stepped down from the party by mutual agreement citing personal reasons, while continuing his duties as an independent local representative. Whelan has also resigned from his council position.
Party officials confirmed that all individuals captured in the undercover recordings are currently facing internal investigations and have either been suspended or have resigned from their positions. Farage previously pledged to eliminate extremists and bigots from the party's ranks two years ago, reiterating that appropriate actions are being implemented following the broadcast.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
