The Reform Party in the UK, founded in 2019 as a rebranding of the Brexit Party, has been embroiled in controversy from its inception. Known for its populist, right-wing stance, the party has gained a reputation for attracting individuals with criminal records, conspiracy theorists, and those with extreme, divisive views. In this article, we will explore specific examples and patterns of behaviour that have contributed to this perception, drawing on various sources to paint a comprehensive picture.

1. A History of Controversial Candidates and Leaders

From the outset, the Reform Party has struggled with its candidates’ public conduct and personal histories. Many individuals selected to represent the party have been found to have shared offensive, conspiratorial, and false content online. For instance, Sean Matthews, a candidate for Louth and Horncastle, shared a photo of Keir Starmer with the caption “owned by Muslims” and has frequently denied the reality of climate change, calling it a “scam” and claiming that there is no definitive proof that CO2 is responsible for global warming. Such views, which are in direct contradiction to established scientific consensus, are not isolated to Matthews but reflect a broader pattern within the party (Byline Times)​ (Byline Times).

Another example is Rowland O’Connor, the candidate for North Cornwall, who propagated baseless claims about the COVID-19 vaccine, falsely asserting that 17 million people have died from the vaccine. O’Connor’s social media is filled with conspiracy theories, including that the government orchestrates terror attacks for political gain, a claim often linked to the “false flag” conspiracy theory​ (Byline Times).

These examples are symptomatic of the party’s wider issues with candidate selection and vetting. According to an article in The Spectator, by June 2024, the party had already had to remove at least 11 candidates due to similar controversies ​(The Spectator). This lack of due diligence raises serious questions about the leadership’s control over the party and its commitment to responsible political discourse.

2. Links to Criminality

The issue of criminality among Reform Party candidates has also been a recurring theme. While not all instances involve convictions, several candidates have been implicated in various forms of misconduct. For example, the party received a £10,000 donation from Crispin Odey, a financier who was previously involved in a sexual misconduct scandal. Such associations tarnish the party’s image and suggest a worrying tolerance for unethical behaviour within its ranks​ (Byline Times).

Furthermore, the party’s ties to individuals with criminal records or histories of legal trouble reflect poorly on its public image. This pattern is not confined to minor infractions but includes serious allegations and convictions. For instance, several candidates have been removed after their criminal pasts were exposed, though the specifics of these cases are often not publicly detailed, likely due to legal constraints.

3. Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation

A significant portion of the controversy surrounding the Reform Party relates to its members’ frequent promotion of conspiracy theories. These range from vaccine misinformation to climate change denial and baseless allegations of global conspiracies orchestrated by organisations like the World Economic Forum and the United Nations.

In one particularly egregious case, Reform candidate Rowland O’Connor shared conspiracy theories on social media suggesting that millions had died due to the COVID-19 vaccine, despite extensive research indicating the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. The Cambridge University and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found that the vaccines had saved more than 100,000 lives in England alone ​(Byline Times). Such blatant misinformation not only undermines public trust in science but also poses a direct threat to public health by discouraging vaccine uptake.

Similarly, the party’s stance on climate change is steeped in denialism. Multiple candidates have shared content that denies the role of CO2 in global warming, framing it as a “scam” and opposing efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions. Bob Ward, policy and communications director at the London School of Economics’ Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change, has described the party’s position as “deliberate misinformation about climate impacts,” indicating a systematic effort to deceive the public for political gain ​(Byline Times).

4. Far-Right Rhetoric and Racism

The Reform Party’s association with far-right rhetoric and racism is another significant concern. Analysis of social media groups supporting the party reveals a disturbing level of support for racist ideologies and actions. For example, members of various Reform UK Facebook groups have frequently expressed anti-Muslim sentiments, with comments suggesting that Britain is being “over-run with Muslims” and is “becoming an Islamic country.” Such statements are often accompanied by calls for extreme measures to “protect” British identity, reflecting a xenophobic and divisive agenda ​(Byline Times).

Support for racist and violent rhetoric is not limited to online comments. Some members of these groups have also endorsed recent anti-migrant riots and expressed admiration for controversial figures such as Enoch Powell, infamous for his divisive “Rivers of Blood” speech in 1968. One post in a Reform UK group approvingly quoted Powell’s assertion that “the black man will have the whip hand over the white man,” a statement that was condemned even at the time for inciting racial hatred ​(Byline Times).

The party’s failure to distance itself from such rhetoric, and in some cases its tacit endorsement of it, raises serious concerns about its commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive society. This pattern of behaviour has led many to question whether the party is genuinely committed to representing all citizens or if it is instead pandering to a fringe, far-right constituency.

Renowned fascist and holocaust denying groups supporting Reform UK Ltd

5. Financial Backing and Ethical Concerns

The Reform Party’s financial backing has also been a source of controversy. The party has received substantial donations from individuals with contentious backgrounds. For instance, Crispin Odey, who contributed £10,000 to the party, has been accused of sexual misconduct. Furthermore, Jeremy Hosking, a major donor who has given the party over £1.5 million, has significant investments in fossil fuel companies, raising questions about the party’s stance on environmental issues and its potential conflicts of interest ​(Byline Times).

These financial ties suggest that the party’s policy positions may be influenced by the interests of its donors, rather than by a genuine concern for the public good. This is particularly troubling in the context of the party’s climate change denial, which aligns suspiciously well with the interests of fossil fuel investors.

Another wealthy establishment figure props up Reform UK Ltd

6. Impact on Political Discourse and Public Trust

The behaviour and rhetoric of the Reform Party and its candidates have broader implications for political discourse in the UK. By promoting conspiracy theories, denying established science, and engaging in divisive and xenophobic rhetoric, the party contributes to a toxic political environment that undermines public trust in democratic institutions and processes.

This is compounded by the party’s willingness to associate with individuals and organisations that promote misinformation and hate speech. For example, Nigel Farage, the party’s most prominent figure, has a long history of controversial statements and actions that have stoked division and resentment. His leadership has not only shaped the party’s policies but also legitimised extreme views within its ranks.

Moreover, the party’s stance on key issues such as immigration and climate change is often based on misinformation and fear-mongering, rather than on facts and constructive debate. This approach risks alienating large segments of the population and polarising the electorate further, making it more difficult to address the complex challenges facing the UK in a rational and inclusive manner.

7. The Future of the Reform Party

Given the controversies surrounding its members and policies, the Reform Party’s future is uncertain. While it has managed to attract a following among those disillusioned with mainstream politics, its association with extremism and conspiracy theories may limit its broader appeal. The party’s inability to distance itself from candidates and supporters who espouse hate speech and misinformation suggests a lack of strategic direction and ethical leadership.

For the party to gain legitimacy and influence, it would need to undertake a significant overhaul of its candidate selection process and policy platform. This would involve not only vetting candidates more thoroughly but also actively distancing itself from the far-right rhetoric and conspiracy theories that have come to define its public image.

The Mirror Of The Nazi Party Strategy

Reform UK candidate suggested that Britain should have taken up Adolf Hitler’s offer and stayed neutral during World War II

1. Exploiting Discontent and Economic Anxiety

The Nazi Party rose to power in Germany during a period of severe economic instability and social unrest. They effectively capitalised on the widespread discontent following the Treaty of Versailles, the Great Depression, and hyperinflation, presenting themselves as the only party that could restore German pride and prosperity. Similarly, the Reform Party has aimed to attract voters who feel left behind by mainstream politics, particularly those disillusioned by the perceived failures of the Conservative and Labour parties. They have focused on issues such as Brexit, immigration, and economic concerns, appealing to those who feel alienated by globalisation and multiculturalism.

Both parties have leveraged economic grievances and social anxieties to build a populist base. In the case of the Reform Party, this includes opposing measures like Net Zero, which they claim would damage the economy and harm working-class communities. The rhetoric suggests a return to a more traditional, economically independent Britain, mirroring the Nazis’ calls for economic self-sufficiency and a rejection of the perceived exploitative nature of global capital​ (The Spectator).

Divide and Rule: How the Conservative Party and Reform UK Exploit Divisions Amongst the White Working Class

2. Nationalism and Identity Politics

The Nazi Party’s ideology was deeply rooted in notions of Aryan supremacy and the need to protect German identity against perceived threats from Jews, communists, and other minority groups. This extreme form of nationalism was used to unify the “Volk” against these “enemies of the state.”

The Reform Party, while not advocating anything as extreme as Nazi racial ideology, has engaged in nationalist rhetoric that emphasises British identity and sovereignty, particularly in the context of Brexit and immigration. Their stance against immigration and multiculturalism often intersects with far-right narratives. For example, some Reform UK supporters and candidates have expressed concerns about Britain being “overrun” by Muslims and have shared content that portrays immigrants as a threat to national identity and security​ (Byline Times).

Migrant Crossings: Reform UK Want To Declare An Act Of Aggression Against France When It Is The B Word That Is Responsible

3. Scapegoating and Conspiracy Theories

A key element of the Nazi strategy was the use of scapegoats, particularly Jews, whom they blamed for Germany’s economic and social problems. This scapegoating was coupled with conspiracy theories, such as the “stab-in-the-back” myth, which falsely claimed that Germany had been betrayed by internal enemies during World War I.

Richard Tice of Reform UK is exposed as a ‘liar’ in damning interview

The Reform Party has similarly used scapegoating as part of its strategy, albeit in a more subtle form. They have blamed various groups, such as immigrants, the European Union, and even environmentalists, for the country’s problems. For instance, the party has been involved in promoting conspiracy theories regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming that vaccines are harmful and that lockdowns were part of a broader agenda by global elites to control the population ​(The Spectator). This mirrors the Nazi approach of promoting conspiracies to create a sense of victimhood and rally support against a common enemy.

“Gas them All” claims made against Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and yet he is a corporate media darling

4. Propaganda and Media Manipulation

The Nazis were pioneers in using propaganda to control public perception, utilising media, rallies, and symbols to build a powerful narrative that supported their ideological goals. Joseph Goebbels, the Minister of Propaganda, played a crucial role in creating an image of Hitler and the Nazi Party as the saviours of Germany.

The Reform Party, although operating in a democratic context with far less control over the media, has also focused heavily on media strategy. They have leveraged social media and alternative news platforms to spread their message, often circumventing traditional media channels that they claim are biased against them. Leaders like Nigel Farage have used platforms like GB News to reach a wider audience and reinforce their narrative, similar to how the Nazis used radio and newspapers to bypass hostile or critical media​ (The Spectator) ​(Byline Times).

5. Portrayal as the Voice of the “Real” People

Both the Nazi Party and the Reform Party have portrayed themselves as the voice of the “real” people against a corrupt or out-of-touch elite. For the Nazis, this involved positioning themselves as defenders of the German people against Jewish capitalists, communists, and liberal politicians. For the Reform Party, it involves presenting themselves as defenders of British sovereignty and traditional values against a perceived elite that includes the political establishment, the media, and international institutions like the European Union.

This populist positioning serves to create an “us vs. them” dynamic that can be very effective in galvanising support among those who feel alienated from mainstream politics. It simplifies complex social and economic issues into a narrative of betrayal and redemption, which can be compelling for many voters.

Conclusion: Appealing to vermin

The Reform Party’s history is marred by associations with convicted criminals, conspiracy theorists, and individuals promoting far-right and racist ideologies. This pattern of behaviour, coupled with the party’s financial ties to controversial figures and its promotion of misinformation, raises serious questions about its role in British politics. While it has succeeded in tapping into a vein of discontent among some voters, its failure to maintain basic standards of integrity and responsibility undermines its credibility as a political force. Those who know what Reform UK is about and still vote for them must accept the public’s vitriol. For many Reform Uk is the party of vermin mirroring a not so recent history.

Moving forward, the party faces a stark choice: either reform its practices and rhetoric to appeal to a broader, more moderate electorate, or continue down its current path, risking further marginalisation and irrelevance. As it stands, the Reform Party’s track record suggests it is more a vehicle for extremist views and disinformation than a serious contender in the political mainstream.

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Jason Cridland
Jason Cridland

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