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Reform UK Candidate's Anti-Immigrant Posts Spark Vetting Probe

4/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Reform UK candidate Ben Rowe posted social-media messages calling immigrants “breeding like rats” and praising mosque violence.
Reform UK is reviewing the allegations and launching a disciplinary probe, councillor Steve Ricketts said.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake demanded an urgent explanation of Reform UK’s vetting.
Labour MP Fred Thomas and council leader Tudor Evans condemned the remarks as reprehensible, while Nigel Farage said Reform UK strengthened background checks since 2024.

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Story summary

Reform UK candidate Ben Rowe posted social-media messages calling immigrants “breeding like rats” and praising mosque violence.
Reform UK is reviewing the allegations and launching a disciplinary probe, councillor Steve Ricketts said.
Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake demanded an urgent explanation of Reform UK’s vetting.
Labour MP Fred Thomas and council leader Tudor Evans condemned the remarks as reprehensible, while Nigel Farage said Reform UK strengthened background checks since 2024.