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Reform UK faces questions over candidate vetting following undercover ITV News investigation
Overview
Reform UK is facing renewed scrutiny over its candidate vetting procedures after an undercover ITV News investigation broadcast footage showing local party figures advising a reporter to delete social media posts supporting Tommy Robinson before applying to stand as a councillor. The documentary also highlighted conflicting accounts regarding whether a former candidate failed vetting before being permitted to stand, and exposed internal disagreements over the handling of a controversial mayoral candidate.
Key points
- Undercover filming by ITV News shows a local Reform branch chairman advising a reporter to delete social media posts supporting Tommy Robinson before applying to become a councillor.
- A former Reform candidate claimed in the footage that he failed vetting twice before being allowed to stand, though Reform denies he ever failed.
- Reform defended its vetting procedures, stating that it vets to a high standard and that a handful of individuals who do not share party values occasionally slip through.
- The party accused ITV of using extreme methods of deception and false information to obtain roles in party headquarters.
- The broadcast also featured discussions regarding former mayoral candidate Dr Chris Parry, with internal disagreement over whether he should be suspended for controversial remarks.