Full Breakdown
Reform UK faces scandal after ITV undercover footage reveals racist and extremist remarks
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Undercover ITV investigation exposes extremist language
ITV News filmed several Reform UK candidates and councillors using racist, anti-Muslim and sexist language. Councillor Alan Feeney, deputy mayor of Solihull, called an area “infested” with Asian families, described Asian homeowners as “parasites” and said no more than 1 % of the UK population should be non-white. Other remarks included calls for “machine-gunning” grooming-gang members and suggestions of “Sunday morning executions” in Downing Street’s rose garden. The footage was broadcast on a Sunday, prompting immediate party action.
Background & Context
Reform UK, a right-of-centre party with more than 2,000 councillors across England and Wales, has stressed its anti-immigration and law-and-order stance. Party leaders have repeatedly said there is “no room for racism” within its ranks and have pointed to recent improvements in candidate-vetting. The ITV investigation, conducted ahead of local elections in May, targeted members in Solihull, Hounslow, Bromley and other constituencies.
Data & Statistics
Official Statements & Responses
The party said investigations have been launched where members “clearly behaved inappropriately” and that suspensions or resignations have already occurred. The Ministry of Justice called Feeney’s comments “despicable” and “entirely at odds” with standards expected of prison staff. Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick told BBC Radio 4’s *Today* programme that the party had acted “case-by-case” to suspend or remove those filmed.
Criticism & Opposition
The Conservative Party said the incidents show that Nigel Farage “has failed” to make Reform ready for government.
Why It Matters / Impact
The scandal threatens Reform UK’s credibility with voters ahead of local elections and may affect public perception of its immigration and law-and-order platform.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact number of members who have resigned versus been suspended, and no full list of those under investigation has been released. While the Ministry of Justice commented on Feeney’s conduct, no formal disciplinary outcome has been confirmed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I go out on all the shows, and go: ‘Oh no, it’s lovely, oh they’re all so welcoming.’ St… they just exclude you if you’re a woman… It’s really tough being a girl with all of this alpha male st going on.” — Robert Jenrick, Treasury spokesman