Security Guard for Nigel Farage Sentenced, Prompting Vetting Scrutiny

Ryan Dinnage, a 32-year-old security operative who escorted Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on several local-election appearances in April and May 2026, was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison in July. According to Thames Valley Police, the offence for which he was convicted occurred in the early hours of May 16, 2022, when Dinnage entered a caravan at the Royal Windsor horse show and raped a woman who was sleeping inside. He was reported later that day and arrested the following day.

The Guardian

Farage has repeatedly declined state-provided protection, claiming it was inadequate, and has said he accepted a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne to fund his personal security for life. The security services Dinnage provided were supplied by a third-party contractor that assured Reform UK the guard had been vetted. The party’s spokesperson confirmed the contractor’s involvement but declined further comment on ongoing relationships with the firm.

The Guardian

Reform UK’s spokesperson said the party was “shocked and disgusted” upon learning of Dinnage’s conviction and immediately ceased his use. The party did not elaborate on any broader review of its security-contracting practices.

The Guardian

A Labour spokesperson demanded that Farage explain when Reform UK became aware that a man charged with rape was interacting with the public on the party’s behalf and called for urgent action to prevent a recurrence. The spokesperson added that the episode highlighted what they described as a pattern of misogyny and a lack of leadership within Reform UK.

The Guardian

• “As soon as we found out, we were shocked and disgusted and he ceased to be used by Reform.” — spokesperson for the party

The Guardian