Full Breakdown
Reform UK scandal: undercover footage reveals racist and extremist remarks by party members
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Undercover ITV journalists produced a 90-minute documentary titled “Undercover: A Year in Reform.” It captures several Reform UK councillors and candidates using racist, sexist and violent language while campaigning for local elections in 2025-2026. The film is scheduled to air on October 18.
Background & Context
Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, positions itself as an anti-immigration party. Farage has pledged to purge “bad apples” and improve vetting after previous investigations into the party’s finances and foreign-donation practices. The current scandal follows earlier undercover work that exposed extremist rhetoric among activists.
Timeline
- August 3 2026 – Farage addresses media amid scrutiny of Reform’s finances.
- August 13 2026 – A Reform spokesperson says investigations have begun into inappropriate member behaviour.
- October 12 – Councillor Chris Whelan resigns, citing personal and health reasons.
- October 14 – Reuters reports the ITV documentary will be broadcast.
- October 18 – Documentary airs at 10:20 pm on ITV1.
Data & Statistics
- The ITV investigation recorded eight Reform UK figures across England and Wales, including Alan Feeney (Solihull deputy mayor) and Dean Miller (Bromley councillor).
- At least four of those filmed made explicitly racist or violent statements.
Official Statements & Responses
- Nigel Farage: Vetted members cannot be predicted; he pledged to be “ruthless” in removing bad actors.
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham: Called for “immediate and firm action.”
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch: Questioned why such stories keep appearing in Reform.
- Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey: Described the footage as “chilling.”
Criticism & Opposition
- The Conservative Party said the individuals prove Farage has failed to ready Reform for government.
- Liberal Democrats and Green Party spokespeople condemned the remarks as evidence of a hostile party culture toward migrants and minorities.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is chilling. I feel for anyone watching this tonight who is frightened to see such racism and hatred festering in their community.” — Sir Ed Davey
- “We should be asking why there's so many stories like this of people in Reform who are making these appalling comments.” — Kemi Badenoch
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the tally of Reform members who have resigned versus been suspended. The Guardian notes three councillors have stood down, while the BBC reports several others are suspended pending investigation. The party has not released a definitive count.
What’s Next
The documentary will broadcast on October 18 at 10:20 pm. Reform UK says investigations will continue, with further suspensions or expulsions possible pending internal reviews and any external inquiries.