Full Breakdown
Reform UK Visit to The Hamlet Wigan CIC Prompts Apology Demand
5/23/2026, 4:13:33 AM
Unannounced Visit Triggers Apology Request
During a May 2026 campaign stop in Makerfield, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and a party entourage entered The Hamlet Wigan Community Interest Company (CIC) café without prior notice. The visit coincided with a celebration for twelve young adults who had just earned the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award. The café’s director, Gemma Crompton, subsequently wrote to Farage demanding a formal apology, describing the arrival of a “large entourage, security presence, and media crews” as “intimidating and overwhelming” for trainees, families, staff and customers.
Background: The Hamlet Wigan CIC and the Duke of Edinburgh Celebration
The Hamlet is a café that provides a social-enterprise space for adults with additional needs, offering training and support. On the day of the incident the venue was hosting a non-political awards ceremony for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, a milestone recognised by local officials. Signage at the café explicitly requested that no photographs or filming involve the trainees.
Key Figures & Groups
- Nigel Farage – Leader of Reform UK, on the Makerfield by-election trail.
- Robert Kenyon – Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield seat, present with Farage.
- Gemma Crompton – Director of The Hamlet Wigan CIC and author of the apology request.
- Andy Burnham – Mayor of Greater Manchester, long-time supporter of the café, present at the awards ceremony.
- Lee Anderson – Reform UK MP who accompanied Farage and described the stop as a spontaneous “cuppa” visit.
Official Statements & Responses
Reform UK issued a letter stating the stop was “completely ad-hoc and non-political,” emphasizing that staff took selfies with Farage and Kenyon and that no photographs were taken on the premises. The party expressed surprise at the tone of Crompton’s letter, noting that the concerns were not raised during a half-hour conversation with the leaders.
Mayor Burnham publicly condemned the unannounced entry, calling the team “out of order” and urging them to apologise.
Lee Anderson questioned the need for a letter, recalling a friendly conversation with Crompton, a selfie request, and a brief departure after the visit.
Criticism & Opposition
Crompton’s letter highlighted several grievances: the breach of a “no-photography” sign, the presence of at least fifteen party members who began filming immediately, and the lack of consent for using the café as a political backdrop. She stressed that the organisation “does not want to be drawn into political campaigning or political division of any kind” and warned that vulnerable-adult services should not be exposed to unannounced political visits.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Photography: Crompton asserts that filming and pictures were taken despite signage; Reform UK denies any photography beyond staff-taken selfies.
- Political Intent: The café maintains the visit was not a campaign event, while Reform UK suggests the criticism may be “politically influenced.”
- Timing of Concerns: Reform UK notes the issues were not raised during the on-site discussion, whereas Crompton’s letter was sent after the visit.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You don’t go into a place like that unannounced. You’re out of order there.” — Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
- “ Of Reform, she added: “It was very overwhelming and a big party of a minimum of 15 people did come, walked into the cafe and started filming and taking pictures straight away.” — Gemma Crompton, Director, The Hamlet Wigan CIC
- “We do not want to be drawn into political campaigning or political division of any kind.” — Gemma Crompton
- “ Gemma Crompton, who runs the Hamlet Wigan Community Interest Company (CIC), posted a video in response to the row She added: "Organisations supporting vulnerable young adults should never be placed in a position where political leaders and campaign teams arrive unannounced with significant media presence and security personnel.” — Gemma Crompton
- “This was a completely ad hoc and non-political visit, and both appreciated the opportunity to meet with you, learn more about the organisation, and hear about the important work you carry out.” — Reform UK spokesperson
What’s Next
Crompton’s demand for an apology and assurances that similar incidents will not recur remains unanswered at the time of reporting. The dispute is likely to feature in local media coverage as the Makerfield by-election approaches, potentially influencing public perception of Reform UK’s campaign conduct.
