Full Breakdown
Reform UK Grapples with Racism Allegations, Poll Collapse, and Event Blunders
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Controversies
In recent weeks Reform UK has been beset by high-profile disputes. Former Farage adviser Raheem Kassam called Conservative leadership candidate Kemi Badenoch a “Nigerian scammer,” prompting criticism from Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake. Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick, speaking on LBC, declined to label the remark racist, describing Kassam as “a random journalist” and noting he is not employed by Reform. At a Reform rally in Westminster, Nigel Farage blamed “staff incompetence” for a half-empty hall and dismissed the comment as a routine social-media outburst. An Ipsos poll shows Reform’s support at 20 percent, trailing the Conservatives (24 percent) and Labour (32 percent). Police investigations now target deputy leader Richard Tice and Jenrick, while an ITV documentary highlighted racist and homophobic posts by local Reform councillors.
02
Background & Context
Reform UK, led by former Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, positions itself as an anti-establishment alternative. The party has faced scrutiny over undeclared donations, including a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne. Recent scandals have raised concerns about internal discipline and voter appeal.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Data & Statistics
- Ipsos poll (October 2026) – Reform UK 20 %, Conservatives 24 %, Labour 32 %; Labour’s lead over Reform 12 points.
- A year earlier Reform was polling above 30 % and was rated a potential governing party.
- Police investigations are underway into deputy leader Richard Tice and Treasury spokesman Robert Jenrick for alleged illegal donations.
04
Official Statements & Responses
- Nigel Farage said the low attendance was due to “staff incompetence” and noted that business leaders are often “busy on Mondays.”
- A House of Commons spokesperson clarified that a prayer card without a valid date stamp was removed in line with standard procedure.
05
Criticism & Opposition
- Kevin Hollinrake condemned Kassam’s remarks as “racist slurs” and called for Farage to address the party’s ties to him.
- Halesowen MP Alex Ballinger wrote to Farage urging an investigation into councillor Caley Ashman, citing antisemitic and homophobic posts and demanding “immediate action.”
- Reform councillor Marco Longhi retorted that the MP should “practice what he preaches,” pointing to past EHRC condemnations of other parties.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are clear and long-established arrangements for members to reserve their own seats in the chamber using prayer cards displaying a valid date stamp. Today, a prayer card placed on a seat did not display a valid date stamp and was removed in line with the usual chamber protocol.” — House of Commons spokesperson
- “Given the party’s response to the recent ITV News documentary was to state that ‘there is no room for racism in Reform UK,’ it is now time for Reform UK to take immediate action against Cllr Ashman and condemn his vile racist and homophobic rhetoric.” — Alex Ballinger
- “Whilst the headline figures do show a striking change, they confirm a pattern we have been seeing in the underlying data for some time.” — Keiran Pedley, research director
07
What’s Next
Reform UK is scheduled to present its “Economic Rescue Plan” alongside Robert Jenrick on October 26, 2026 in Westminster, ahead of the national budget. The event is expected to draw further scrutiny over attendance and messaging. Ongoing police investigations into alleged illegal donations and the party’s handling of racist remarks remain unresolved, leaving Reform’s electoral prospects uncertain.