Today: 10 October 2025
1 July 2024
3 mins read

Reform UK drops three candidates over racism row

As the registration deadline for candidates has passed, all three candidates will remain on the ballot paper, despite no longer being endorsed by Reform UK…reports Asian Lite News

Reform UK has withdrawn support from three of its parliamentary candidates as the racism row engulfing the party continues to grow.

The party led by Nigel Farage is no longer supporting Edward Oakenfull, who is standing in Derbyshire Dales, Robert Lomas, a candidate in Barnsley North, and Leslie Lilley, standing in Southend East and Rochford, after alleged comments made by them emerged in the media.

It comes as party leaders from across the political spectrum have lined up to condemn Reform UK, and told Farage he needs to “get a grip” of his party.

Oakenfull has been suspended after reportedly having written social media posts about the IQ of sub-Saharan Africans – which he told the BBC were “taken out of context”.

Meanwhile, Lomas said black people should “get off [their] lazy arses” and stop acting “like savages”, The Times reported.

Lilley, according to the newspaper, described people arriving on small boats as “scum”, adding: “I hope your family get robbed, beaten or attacked.”

As the registration deadline for candidates has passed, all three candidates will remain on the ballot paper, despite no longer being endorsed by Reform UK.

The decision to drop these candidates comes amid a vast row about racism in the party after Channel 4 news aired footage filmed undercover that showed Andrew Parker, an activist canvassing for Farage, using the racial slur “P***” to describe the prime minister, describing Islam as a “disgusting cult”, and saying the army should “just shoot” migrants crossing the Channel.

Reform UK was condemned by party leaders across the political spectrum, and Rishi Sunak reacted furiously to the comments, saying Mr Farage had “some questions to answer”.

He said: “My two daughters have to see and hear Reform people who campaign for Nigel Farage calling me an effing P***. It hurts and it makes me angry and I think he has some questions to answer.

“And I don’t repeat those words lightly. I do so deliberately because this is too important not to call out clearly for what it is.”

Parker has told Sky News he was a “total fool”, that he has learned his lesson, and there was “no racism” in what he said.

Reform UK has said it has reported Channel 4 to the elections watchdog for alleged “scandalous… interference” over what the party claims was a fake rant planted by the broadcaster.

The broadcaster has rejected the allegations out of hand, saying: “We strongly stand by our rigorous and duly impartial journalism which speaks for itself. We met Parker for the first time at Reform UK party headquarters, where he was a Reform party canvasser.

“We did not pay the Reform UK canvasser or anyone else in this report. Parker was not known to Channel 4 News and was filmed covertly via the undercover operation.”

The Electoral Commission said they were “aware of reports” that Reform UK had asked them to investigate.

But the commission said it had “not received such a letter”, adding that it would “consider [the letter’s] contents” if it did.

A spokesperson for the commission said Channel 4 News was exempt from its regulation as it is a licensed broadcaster. They said any laws surrounding the potential defamation of candidates would be a matter for the police.

ALSO READ-Labour aims for closer EU ties without reopening Brexit wounds

Previous Story

Dowden warns of Russian interference in upcoming polls

Next Story

‘Agla Varka’: New Initiative to Highlight True Essence of Punjab

Latest from -Top News

Trump eyes Egypt trip

Trump eyes Egypt trip for Gaza ceasefire signing as deal paves way for hostage release…reports Asian Lite News President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he intends to travel to Egypt for

200 US troops to monitor Gaza ceasefire deal

The US coordination center will be staffed by service members who have expertise in transportation, planning, security, logistics and engineering…reports Asian Lite News The United States is sending about 200 troops to

Federal bodies align for inclusive growth

The UAE Gender Balance Council reviews strategic initiatives across federal entities, strengthening policies, advancing inclusion, and reinforcing the nation’s leadership in equality, diversity, and sustainable development….reports Asian Lite News The UAE Gender

SIBF to host 2,350 exhibitors Nov 5-16

The 44th Sharjah International Book Fair unites publishers, authors, and intellectuals from 118 countries, celebrating literature, workshops, cultural exchange, and Greece as Guest of Honour….reports Asian Lite News The 44th Sharjah International

Racing meets AI in high-octane partnership

Aligned Automation partners with Ferrari driver Diana Pundole, applying AI-driven analytics to optimise racing performance while demonstrating enterprise-grade intelligence and innovation on the track….reports Asian Lite News Aligned Automation, a global AI-driven
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK, US and Australia say Japan could join Aukus pact

In their statement, the three defense chiefs said that their

China’s N-expansion underlines quest for status, says UK forum

This more aggressive approach has been spurred on by increased