Reform UK: officials, incidents and party record

Reform UK, also known as the Reform Party, is a right-wing populist and far-right political party in the United Kingdom, founded by Nigel Farage and Catherine Blaiklock on 23 November 2018 as the Brex

Leader: Nigel Farage

Founded: 2018

Headquarters: Millbank Tower, 21–24 Millbank, London SW1P 4QP

Ideology: Right-wing populism, Hard Euroscepticism

Position: Right-wing to far-right

Membership: 268,000 (December 2025)

Website: https://www.reformparty.uk/

Reform UK, also known as the Reform Party, is a right-wing populist and far-right political party in the United Kingdom, founded by Nigel Farage and Catherine Blaiklock on 23 November 2018 as the Brexit Party and renamed Reform UK in January 2021. Nigel Farage has been leader since June 2024, with Richard Tice as Deputy Leader and Lee Anderson as Chairman. Positioned to the right of the Conservative Party, it advocates right-wing populism and hard Euroscepticism under the slogan "Britain is broken. Britain needs Reform." The party has eight MPs in the House of Commons, seventeen members of the Scottish Parliament, thirty-four members of the Senedd, two members of the London Assembly, two directly elected mayors and two police and crime commissioners, and around 2,330 local councillors, controlling thirty-five councils. Its membership stood at 268,000 in December 2025, and it is governed by the Reform UK Board from its headquarters at Millbank Tower in London.

Reform UK policy documents

Tracked Reform UK representatives (2162)

Recorded party incidents (showing 51-100 of 319)

Tim Montgomerie suspended after publicly criticising senior Reform UK figures

Category: inappropriate behaviour

Tim Montgomerie publicly criticised senior Reform UK figures in media interviews and on a podcast, expressing frustration with Nigel Farage's tone and saying senior party figure Zia Yusuf needed to be more of a team player. Reform UK suspended his party membership under its rules for public criticism. Montgomerie said he would appeal the suspension and intended the case to test whether the party tolerates free speech and dissent. The party said the suspension was implemented in line with its rules. Montgomerie, who defected from the Conservatives and described himself as a critical friend of the leadership, said he wanted to remain in Reform UK and would fight to retain his membership.

Zia Yusuf criticised over social media conduct and alleged role in Montgomerie suspension

Category: social media conduct

Zia Yusuf posted confrontational messages on X/Twitter, including a post describing himself as a "lethal electoral threat", and his behaviour on the platform was described as a public meltdown. Tim Montgomerie was suspended from Reform UK after criticising Yusuf, and there was speculation within and beyond the party that Nigel Farage had not been informed of the suspension. The sequence of events prompted debate on social media about Yusuf's conduct and influence within the party. Tim Montgomerie issued a personal statement about his suspension and questioned Yusuf's suitability for senior roles. Yusuf is identified as Reform UK's Home Affairs spokesperson. The episode has intensified internal divisions within the party and drawn public attention to its internal discipline and communications.

Nigel Farage claimed a 'specific, credible' threat, police said none

Category: factual inaccuracy

Nigel Farage said he could not attend the Clacton by-election count because of a "specific, credible threat" to his safety. Essex Police said no such warning was given and said the concern was traced to heated social media posts rather than a targeted plot. Farage won the Clacton by-election and returned to Parliament; his decision to avoid the count was criticised after the police statement. He also blamed migrants for local housing shortages, a claim questioned alongside reporting that Clacton has a comparatively low migrant population.

Nigel Farage's party blames mass immigration for hosepipe bans

Category: xenophobia

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK blamed mass immigration for hosepipe bans and drought conditions in England and Wales, saying the Tories had "imported 12 million people over fourteen years" and that population growth placed huge strain on infrastructure. The party published a policy paper proposing to scrap targets to reduce public water use, lower the threshold for reservoir projects to be treated as nationally significant, and build more reservoirs to avoid hosepipe bans. Deputy leader Richard Tice has previously rejected the role of human activity in climate change and Reform has pledged to scrap UK climate targets and increase fossil fuel use if it enters government. The party framed infrastructure strain from immigration as the cause of water shortages rather than citing water management, investment or climate impacts, and set out policy changes consistent with that position; the claim and the climate stance have attracted public scrutiny given the scientific consensus on human-driven warming.

Robert Jenrick backs Reform UK welfare plan proposing ban on non‑UK citizens claiming benefits

Category: xenophobia

Robert Jenrick co-wrote a foreword for Reform UK's published welfare plan alongside party leader Nigel Farage, endorsing proposals to tighten eligibility for disability payments, bar non-UK citizens from claiming benefits and introduce compulsory unpaid community work for some long-term unemployed claimants. The proposals include replacing PIP and part of universal credit with a single flat-rate health allowance, tightening PIP eligibility so an estimated 2.9 million people could lose cash payments, and reintroducing the two-child benefit limit. Campaigners and disability charities warned the package would push hundreds of thousands of children into poverty and cause increased hardship, and an internal analysis showed some claimants could lose up to £10,000 a year. Jenrick said the most vulnerable needs would be protected and that disabled people could claim for genuine extra costs, though the party did not specify how such payments would be calculated; the plans remain those published by Reform UK and the party projects large savings and increased employment.

Danny Kruger says European countries could reasonably deny British expatriates benefits

Category: discriminatory remark

Danny Kruger told BBC Breakfast that it would be reasonable for European countries to deny British expatriates access to benefits if Reform UK blocked foreign nationals from claiming support in Britain. He said welfare should be paid by the country of citizenship and that Reform planned a budget to ensure British nationals would be entitled to British benefits, and he said people with mild mental health conditions should not be consigned to live isolated at home. The comments were made as Reform UK set out a policy to ban most foreign nationals in the UK from claiming benefits, a measure the party says would save £21bn a year by its fifth year. There has been no reported disciplinary action or resignation linked to Kruger’s remarks and he remains a Reform UK MP.

Zia Yusuf rebuked by Nigel Farage after calling Ben Wallace a 'traitor'

Category: inflammatory language

On 16 August 2026 Zia Yusuf, Reform UK home affairs spokesman, described former Conservative defence secretary Ben Wallace as a "traitor to Britain" on social media. The comment prompted public criticism and reports that party leader Nigel Farage might discipline or dismiss Yusuf; Farage said the language was "too strong" and that he would "give him a ticking off". The remarks followed recent comments from Yusuf and Reform suggesting hostile rhetoric against them could put members at risk. A source said Yusuf's "days are numbered", but Yusuf denied he would be removed and said he was not going anywhere; Farage said he would speak to Yusuf but no formal disciplinary action had been announced.

Sources: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nigel-farage-reform-zia-yusuf-traitor-ben-wallace-row-b3031060.html https://spectator.com/article/zia-yusuf-has-become-a-liability-for-reform/

Laila Cunningham defends Nigel Farage’s undisclosed £5m gift

Category: undisclosed interest

Laila Cunningham, a Reform UK councillor, defended Nigel Farage’s undisclosed £5m gift during appearances on LBC and later on her own slot on the same station. She said it was not the public’s business how he spent his money, suggested the payment could have been for security and told listeners they should not interrogate him over the sum, while admitting she did not know whether the money had been spent on security. Nigel Farage has contradicted the security explanation. Critics have raised concerns about his failure to declare the payment as a registrable parliamentary benefit after becoming an MP and about a possible transactional relationship linked to promoting crypto. There is no public record here of any disciplinary action against Cunningham in relation to her defence of Farage.

Nadhim Zahawi made incorrect claims about Count Binface on Good Morning Britain

Category: factual inaccuracy

Nadhim Zahawi claimed on Good Morning Britain that Count Binface had received £180,000 from donor Dale Vince and had recruited Conservative and Labour activists to canvass for him in Clacton. Good Morning Britain later issued an on-air clarification that the payment had not been accepted and that Binface had not asked activists from other parties to campaign for him. The broadcaster's clarification therefore shows Zahawi's statements on air were incorrect. Zahawi is a Reform UK MP; there is no on-air retraction recorded from him in the material cited, and the clarification corrected the public record on the broadcast.

Richard Tice repeats 'credible threat' claim and backs Farage's security

Category: inflammatory language

On 14 August 2026, speaking to LBC, Boston and Skegness MP Richard Tice repeated that Nigel Farage had faced a "credible threat" at the Clacton by-election count on 13 August and said he trusted Farage's security team more than Essex Police. His comments came in interviews the morning after Farage's victory in the Clacton by-election. Essex Police denied making any such warning to any candidate, and the remarks formed part of a wider dispute between Reform figures and the force. Lee Anderson made similar comments to the BBC, and the episode came as the Parliamentary Standards inquiry into an undeclared £5m gift related to Farage was reopened, contributing to tensions within the party.

David Rowan suspended over alleged social media call to hang John Bercow

Category: hate speech

On 13 August 2026, Reform UK councillor David Rowan, who served on Kirklees Council, was suspended after Hope Not Hate identified posts from 2019 on X in which he allegedly wrote "Hang the Dwarf" in response to a post about former Commons Speaker John Bercow. Hope Not Hate also highlighted other posts attributed to the account in which Rowan is said to have written that gays "shouldn’t have kids full stop" and called for followers to "get our pick forks and whippets and demolish London." A Reform UK spokesman said Cllr Rowan had been suspended pending investigation, and he was contacted for comment. The disclosures were published amid wider concern about the safety of politicians following recent murders, a point Hope Not Hate emphasised when releasing its research; the suspension remains in place while the party investigates.

Sources: https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/26465021.reform-councillor-suspended-post-calling-speakers-hanging/

Richard Tice defends unlicensed Farage Fest rally

Category: inappropriate behaviour

Richard Tice defended a victory rally for Nigel Farage held at Great Oakley airfield in Tendring, Essex, which did not have a Late Temporary Event Notice. He described the gathering as a private celebration and dismissed criticism while hundreds attended and the site featured live music, alcohol and a Ferris wheel. Tendring District Council had refused to grant a Late Temporary Event Notice because the application was not made in time and said it is investigating whether the event was unlawful. Reform has said no rules were broken and that a licence was applied for on a precautionary basis; the council said that if it decides to prosecute the organiser could face a fine or a custodial sentence and it will announce next steps in due course.

Nigel Farage refused to share a platform with other candidates at Clacton count

Category: social media conduct

Nigel Farage posted a video from his campaign team at the Clacton by-election count in which he said he would not share a platform with the 33 other candidates and referred to them as "nobodies". he declined to attend hustings and largely kept his distance from other candidates during the contest. The remark drew criticism from opponents and some local voters who said he had not engaged with constituents. It came amid reporting and investigations into his receipt of an undeclared £5m donation, and critics said the by-election he triggered wasted about £250,000 of public money.

George Finch defends 'boot on neck' remark after bullying complaints

Category: intimidation bullying

On 13 August 2026 George Finch, leader of Warwickshire county council and a Reform UK politician, defended a January remark that he had to "lay down a little bit of a boot on neck-type thing" to control council officers. He made the comments during an interview and dismissed claims of bullying as "lies", after Green and other councillors said council officers were "scared" under the administration. Finch has faced three code of conduct investigations, a no-confidence motion which he survived by one vote, and two solicitor-led probes that initially found breaches before council subcommittees cleared him. Labour MP Rachel Taylor challenged his claim about library complaints and the council chief executive Monica Fogarty lodged a formal complaint after Finch asked for a Progress Pride flag to be removed; Finch denies wrongdoing and remains leader of Warwickshire council and was also elected leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth borough council.

Zia Yusuf threatens Vodafone directors with jail over migrant SIM cards

Category: intimidation bullying

On 13 August 2026 Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman, posted on X and sent a letter to Vodafone’s board warning that executives who supply SIM cards to migrants would be made "personally and criminally liable" and could face prison. He targeted Vodafone over its supply of 2,221 SIM cards to the charity Care4Calais, accusing the company of assisting illegal migrants into the UK. Yusuf described Care4Calais as "not a charity" and a "facilitator of illegal migration" and demanded Vodafone stop supplying SIMs to the group. He said a future Reform government would pass a "Polanski Law" to criminalise acts that assist illegal entry, punishable by two years' imprisonment, and vowed to hold "each every officer and director" personally and criminally liable.

Sources: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/exclusive-vodafone-zia-yusuf-sim-cards-migrants_uk_6a7dc391e4b08accea25a063 https://www.cityam.com/vodafone-defends-migrant-sim-scheme-after-reform-threat/ https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2238832/zia-yusuf-blasts-vodafone-ceo

Dan Thomas campaigned in Clacton hours after offering "thoughts and prayers" to constituents whose homes burned down

Category: inappropriate behaviour

Location: Newbridge, Caerphilly / Clacton, Essex

On 13 August 2026, homes in Newbridge in Dan Thomas's Casnewydd Islwyn constituency were destroyed by a wildfire, as South Wales and Mid and West Wales fire services declared major incidents. Thomas posted an image of the burnt-out houses on Facebook that morning, writing: "My thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by the fires in Newbridge. Thanks to the emergency services for tackling this." About three hours later he posted a video from Clacton in Essex, where Reform UK's Senedd group was campaigning in the by-election caused by Nigel Farage's resignation of his seat. Thomas said his focus was a "fight against the establishment" and thanked Reform supporters who had travelled to help. He faced a backlash for leaving his constituency during a major incident affecting his own constituents in order to campaign for the party leader in England.

Joe Standen mocked educator for using Zimbabwe flag

Category: discriminatory remark

On 11 August 2026 Reform UK councillor Joe Standen posted on Facebook in response to a Portsmouth notice about a series of children's storytelling events, calling the events "mental" and questioning a "woman with yellow hair" holding a Zimbabwe flag at the sessions in Portsmouth. The post repeated the phrase "A woman with yellow hair, holding up a Zimbabwe flag, celebrating local heroes in Portsmouth?????" and drew public replies. The events were organised by Pamodzi Creatives to celebrate inspirational local stories and diversity. Educator Nathalie Millyard said the Zimbabwe flag related to stories of women who contributed to the city, including people from Zimbabwe; no party or council disciplinary action was reported following Standen's post.

Richard Tice seeks to unmask journalists' sources and posts hostile social media message

Category: intimidation bullying

On 11 August 2026 Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, sent legal correspondence to the Guardian seeking disclosure of documents he says could identify reporters' sources and has filed proceedings against the National Crime Agency. He also posted on social media criticising journalists, saying "Lefty journos... They've got war." The move drew condemnation from Labour chair Bridget Phillipson and other politicians and campaigners who described it as an attempt to silence the free press and intimidate reporters. Tice and Reform UK deny any wrongdoing; the Guardian said it would oppose attempts to unmask sources, and the actions form part of wider scrutiny over the party's funding and transactions reported to the NCA.

Richard Tice seeks disclosure of reporter’s sources via legal letters

Category: abuse of power

On 11 August 2026 Reform deputy leader Richard Tice instructed lawyers to write to a national newspaper and directly to its city editor, seeking disclosure of documents that could identify the paper’s sources in reporting on financial transactions referred to the National Crime Agency. Tice has also issued proceedings against the NCA, alleging the information could only have come from an officer within the agency. Former culture secretary John Whittingdale and press freedom groups criticised the move as an attempt to intimidate journalists, and the newspaper said it will resist efforts to unmask sources. The legal actions come amid wider scrutiny of Tice and Reform UK’s finances; the challenges and related inquiries are ongoing.

Nigel Farage attacks Restore Britain over alleged antisemitism

Category: inflammatory language

On 10 August 2026 Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, publicly attacked rival party Restore Britain over accusations of antisemitism after Restore politician Charlie Downes described Israel’s actions in Gaza as a "genocide". The confrontation took place in public statements and online commentary amid a wider media debate about the use of the term genocide. The intervention drew backing from Sunday Telegraph editor Allister Heath and columnist Stephen Pollard, who rejected claims that Israel is committing genocide and criticised Restore’s language. Farage said he would not consider an electoral deal with Restore unless Downes was expelled, a demand that increased tensions between the two parties.

Zia Yusuf proposes criminalising aid to migrants and calls arrivals an 'invasion'

Category: xenophobia

On 10 August 2026 Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesperson, announced plans to criminalise any act that assists or encourages illegal entry, punishable by up to two years' imprisonment. He referred to the charity Care4Calais as a 'facilitator of illegal migration' and described the arrival of asylum seekers as an 'invasion'. Reform UK confirmed the proposal, and Yusuf said sending foreign offenders to prisons overseas would 'not be cruel' while creating thousands of jail places. Critics warned the plan would threaten charity workers and volunteers who provide humanitarian aid and could criminalise ordinary acts of assistance.

Nigel Farage links Ann Widdecombe murder to police failures at press conference

Category: factual inaccuracy

On 10 August 2026 at a press conference, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said police were "very scared" of an inquiry into their handling of an alleged attack at his home and said the murder of Ann Widdecombe was directly linked to security failures. He told reporters counter-terrorism police had referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and said he could not provide further details. Journalists and observers questioned Farage's account, noting police records showed an attempted burglary had been recorded rather than an arson attack, which raised doubts about his description of events. There has been no official confirmation that Widdecombe's murder is linked to the inquiry Farage described, and his statements prompted scrutiny over their timing and accuracy.

Zia Yusuf proposes deporting foreign prisoners to El Salvador

Category: xenophobia

On 9 August 2026 Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's Home Affairs spokesperson, announced the party would change the law so serious offenders serve full sentences and that it would deport foreign nationals from UK prisons. Yusuf said that if home countries would not take them back, Reform would send them to serve sentences in countries such as El Salvador and Kosovo and would rent prison space abroad. Human Rights Watch has documented torture, ill-treatment, severe due process violations and inhumane conditions in El Salvador's prisons, and the UK government's travel advice warns that prison facilities there are known for mistreatment that can result in death. The proposal drew criticism from a Labour spokesperson as lacking serious answers; the policy remains at the party proposal stage.

Nigel Farage proposes using Royal Navy in 'Operation Fortress' to 'stop the boats'

Category: factual inaccuracy

On 2026-08-08 Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, announced in public statements a plan called "Operation Fortress" to marshal the Royal Navy to intercept and return small boats crossing the English Channel. He described the proposal as the largest military operation in the English Channel since the Second World War. French authorities described the plan as a violation of their sovereignty, and military experts and commentators criticised it as impractical. Reform MP Sarah Pochin tweeted in response, the announcement coincided with a rise in Farage's opinion poll ratings, and it came while he was facing questions about his finances.

Zia Yusuf proposes paid tip line for illegal working, using phrase Turkish barbers tip line

Category: xenophobia

Zia Yusuf, Reform UK's home affairs spokesman, unveiled a policy proposal to pay members of the public financial rewards for tip-offs that lead to successful prosecutions of High Street shops employing illegal workers, using the phrase Turkish barbers tip line to describe the scheme. He said rewards would be paid from larger fines imposed on firms and that the party would fine large firms up to 10% of their global revenues and make chief executives and directors personally and criminally liable. The Home Office said it was already increasing penalties for companies hiring illegal workers and a departmental source called some of Reform's proposals empty posturing. Deliveroo said illegal working should be addressed and outlined measures it already takes; Reform presented the measures as pledges it would introduce if it entered government and Yusuf remains the party's home affairs spokesman.

Tice said he had been treated 'worse than a paedophile, a rapist or a murderer'

Category: inflammatory language

Location: Times Radio

On 6 August 2026, in an interview broadcast on Times Radio, Richard Tice said the BBC and the Metropolitan Police had treated him "worse than a paedophile, a rapist or a murderer". The remark was made while he was discussing the police investigation into donations made to Reform UK and the media coverage of it. The comparison was widely criticised. The underlying donations matter remains an active investigation with no charges brought.

Sources: https://www.independent.co.uk/tv/news/reform-richard-tice-nigel-farage-donations-b3029163.html https://leftfootforward.org/2026/08/richard-tice-makes-bizarre-claim-he-has-been-treated-worse-than-a-paedophile-rapist-or-murderer-by-media-and-police/

Zia Yusuf links illegal working to harm to 'British youngsters' and vows jail terms

Category: xenophobia

On 6 August 2026 in London, Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s spokesman for home affairs, held a press conference and said corporate CEOs had been "making a fortune by hiring illegal workers" and were "undermining British youngsters". He described young people as the "biggest victims" of illegal working and said Reform UK would jail company directors and impose heavy financial penalties on firms employing illegal workers. The remarks formed part of a wider Reform UK policy announcement that proposed prison sentences of up to five years for company directors and fines equivalent to 10% of global turnover, alongside a central prosecution fund for local authorities. Yusuf framed the measures as intended to "stand up for British workers" and presented them as the party’s policy position on illegal working.

Zia Yusuf vows 'harshest penalties' for employers of illegal migrants

Category: inflammatory language

On 5 August 2026 Zia Yusuf made a public statement in which he attacked employers of illegal workers, saying that under Reform "Britain will have the harshest penalties in the world" for those employing illegal migrants. He presented the measure as a response to what he described as the undercutting of British workers. He accused Labour and the Conservatives of having "made Britain the softest-touch country in the world for illegal migrants to undercut British workers". No immediate response from Reform UK or other parties was announced and no disciplinary action has been reported.

Christine Duffy withdraws resignation after sending letter to wrong council

Category: inappropriate behaviour

Christine Duffy, a Reform UK councillor for the Town ward on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, submitted a resignation letter that was delivered to Kidsgrove Town Council rather than to the borough council's proper officer. In the letter she said she had received very little or no training for the role. She later said she no longer intended to quit and would continue to serve the residents who elected her. Electoral Commission rules state a councillor cannot withdraw a resignation once it has been received by the relevant authority, but Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council chief executive Gordon Mole said the resignation had not taken effect because he had been notified that the councillor had withdrawn the letter before it reached him. Duffy said she was appalled that the letter had been made public and alleged political rivals had used it to try to force a by-election. Mole said he was seeking an explanation for how the letter was shared, and Kidsgrove mayor Mike Stubbs called for the matter to be investigated.

Sarah Pochin criticised for remark about French World War Two soldiers

Category: xenophobia

On 4 August 2026, Reform MP Sarah Pochin posted an online comment in response to France's rejection of Nigel Farage's Channel plan, saying "Pity the French did not show the same resolve in defending their sovereignty in June 1940." The remark referenced French losses in 1940 and was published in the context of Reform's proposals to intercept small boats crossing the Channel. Her comment drew criticism from MPs and others who said it insulted French wartime sacrifices. The remark was reported alongside Reform's Operation Fortress proposal; no party disciplinary action was reported in the coverage and Pochin remains an MP.

Sources: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/runcorn-reform-mp-sarah-pochin-34409273

Zia Yusuf proposes navy to force small boats back to France

Category: xenophobia

On 3 August 2026 Zia Yusuf, Reform UK home affairs spokesman, said on the Today programme that his party would order the Royal Navy to force small boats carrying migrants back to France. He described the plan as "the largest military operation in the English Channel since World War Two". Yusuf said the plan would be published in full at a party conference and that it had been endorsed by former senior members of the armed forces. He accepted it could provoke a diplomatic dispute with France; international conventions on the sea allow states to rescue people in danger but do not permit taking people to another country without that country's consent, a legal issue the proposal would have to address.

Bruce Craze left Reform UK criticising weakened policies and internal divisions

Category: party management issue

Location: Cornwall

Bruce Craze defected to Restore Britain on 29 July 2026, saying Reform UK "no longer resembles the party which I stood for" and criticising what he described as weakened policies, internal divisions and poorly thought out motions. Reform UK''s local leader responded to the resignation, and calls were made locally for a fresh election. Craze retained his seat under the new affiliation.

Sources: https://www.cornwalllive.com/news/cornwall-news/election-demand-after-cornwall-councillor-11099004

Richard Tice under standards investigation over possible failure to declare interest

Category: undisclosed interest

The parliamentary standards watchdog opened an investigation on 28 July 2026 into whether Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, failed to declare a relevant interest under rule six of the MPs' code of conduct. The probe relates to whether he should have referenced his register of interests at the start of a debate on UK democracy and Israeli influence, and was listed on the commissioner's website. Tice said the inquiry concerned a complaint by an "anti-Israel lobby group" and posted on social media that coverage of the matter was "garbage", describing the complainant as antisemitic and anti-Israel without naming the organisation. The investigation is ongoing and Tice remains deputy leader of Reform UK while it continues.

Bella Simon says her departure from Reform UK "was not my decision"

Category: party management issue

Location: Walsall

Bella Simon left Reform UK on 25 July 2026 and now sits as an independent on Walsall Council. She said she "didn't choose to leave" and that it "was not my decision", adding that she remains "Reform through and through" and will continue to represent residents. Reform UK has not published an account of the circumstances in which she ceased to be a party councillor.

Sources: https://www.expressandstar.com/news/walsall-reform-councillor-leaves-party-to-serve-as-an-independent-8824352

Zia Yusuf accused rivals of "incitement" after Ann Widdecombe's murder while defending his own language

Category: inflammatory language

At a press conference on 15 July 2026, following the murder of Reform politician Ann Widdecombe, Yusuf argued that the political climate treated Reform UK as "a threat to be urgently stopped" and that a narrative "so relentless it constitutes incitement" could move some people to lethal violence. He cited old posts by Labour figures, including a 2010 joke by Jess Phillips about Widdecombe on Strictly Come Dancing. Asked about his own record of calling opponents traitors and saying the Conservatives deserved extinction, he said there was a clear difference between that and comparing Reform to Nazis or fascists. He also suggested that a £5m gift from Christopher Harborne was largely intended to fund Nigel Farage's security.

Sources: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/reform-zia-yusuf-farage-ann-widdecombe-death-b3015430.html https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/reforms-zia-yusuf-widdecombe-democracy-5HjdddF_2/

Reform withdrew sworn denials given in Tice's name in High Court data case

Category: other

Good Law Project brought a group data-rights claim in the High Court against Reform UK Party Ltd over the party's handling of voters' personal data. On 19 June 2026 the court rejected Reform's attempt to strike the claim out. On 15 July 2026 Byline Times reported that Reform had withdrawn formal denials filed in Richard Tice's name, having previously denied using the NationBuilder platform and denied any aim of profiling every UK voter. Good Law Project's Jolyon Maugham accused the party of being cavalier with the truth. The litigation is ongoing and there has been no judgment on the substance of the claim.

Sources: https://bylinetimes.com/2026/07/15/reform-withdrew-sworn-denials-from-richard-tice-in-good-law-project-data-privacy-case/ https://goodlawproject.org/high-court-rejects-reforms-bid-to-throw-out-our-challenge/ https://goodlawproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Good-Law-Project-Ltd-v-Reform-UK-Party-Ltd-2026-EWHC-1458-KB.pdf

Met investigates Reform donations made through Tice's company Britain Means Business

Category: financial conduct concern

In July 2026 the Metropolitan Police opened an investigation into two donations of £250,000 made to Reform UK ahead of the 2024 general election through Britain Means Business, a company linked to Richard Tice. The money originated with Fiona Cottrell, mother of George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster and former Nigel Farage aide. On 29 July 2026 the Guardian reported that George Cottrell had transferred roughly $2m to his mother's account in tranches shortly before the donations were made. Payments connected to Tice's organisations were flagged to the National Crime Agency in Suspicious Activity Reports. Tice has denied any impropriety, says Fiona Cottrell is a permissible donor, and wrote to the NCA's director-general asking it to investigate whether his private financial information had been leaked to the media. In August 2026 he and Farage confirmed they are suing the NCA over the alleged leak. Separately, a Liberal Democrat complaint about a loan of roughly £78,100 from George Cottrell to Tice's company Tisun Investment was declined by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards on 29 July 2026. No charges have been brought and no finding of wrongdoing has been made against Tice.

Sources: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/09/police-investigate-500000-reform-donations-from-mother-of-fraudster-who-backed-farage https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv4r5g55do https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jul/29/george-cottrell-transferred-2m-mother-beforer-reform-uk-donations https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/29/richard-tice-reform-loan-george-cottrell-investigation-standards-watchdog https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpvw7xyjz8eo

Nigel Farage claimed a second parliamentary standards investigation was under way

Category: factual inaccuracy

Nigel Farage said that a second parliamentary standards investigation into his finances was under way when he resigned as an MP and called a byelection in Clacton. The parliamentary standards commissioner had launched an earlier inquiry into an undisclosed £5m gift and is understood not to have launched a separate second investigation nor to have officially widened the existing one at the time of Farage’s claim. Farage used the assertion about a further probe to argue that voters, rather than the political establishment, should judge his conduct. The standards commissioner declined to comment on the status of any widening of the inquiry. Commentators and opponents said questions remain about donations and payments linked to Farage, including payments from George Cottrell and the £5m from Christopher Harborne. If the commissioner finds a breach and the standards committee recommends a suspension of more than ten days, Farage could face another byelection.

Tice faces legal complaint over claims about Lebanese police training contract

Category: other

Location: House of Commons

Richard Tice has repeatedly attacked a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office contract with Siren Associates Ltd to train Lebanese police, and led a Commons adjournment debate on the company's FCDO contracts on 2 July 2026 after complaining that written questions had gone unanswered. On 3 July 2026 The National reported that his claims about the company had resulted in a legal complaint against him. The allegations Tice has made about the company are his own assertions and have not been established.

Sources: https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uk/2026/07/03/lebanese-police-training-complaint-lands-reforms-richard-tice-with-lawsuit/ https://www.parallelparliament.co.uk/debate/2026-07-02/commons/commons-chamber/siren-associates-ltd-fcdo-contracts

Tice sued for libel by Dale Vince over Hamas tweet

Category: other

Location: Court of Appeal, London

The businessman and Labour donor Dale Vince sued Richard Tice for libel over a post on X concerning Hamas. At a preliminary hearing, Mr Justice Pepperall ruled that the post meant Vince supported Hamas, but that this was an expression of opinion rather than a statement of fact. Vince appealed against that ruling. On 1 July 2026 the Court of Appeal, sitting as Lewison, Coulson and Warby LJJ, dismissed the appeal in Vince v Tice [2026] EWCA Civ 844 and upheld the finding that the post was an expression of opinion.

Sources: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vince-v-Tice-Judgment.pdf https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Vince-v-Tice-Press-Summary.pdf https://www.5rb.com/dale-vince-opinion-meaning-appeal-dismissed/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/dale-vince-hamas-shaun-bailey-high-court-guido-fawkes-b2645025.html

Police admitted error after his phone was handed to a Reform ally during his arrest

Category: scandal

Location: Basildon

Byline Times reported on 24 June 2026 that Essex Police had privately accepted it made an error by failing to seize Sam Journet's phone and other devices when he was arrested at Basildon Council offices in September 2025 on suspicion of stalking, harassment and assault. He was not charged and faced no further action. During the arrest, Journet handed his mobile phone to fellow Reform councillor Zoe Hockton, chair of Basildon Reform, and it was not retrieved during the investigation. Essex Police were reported to be investigating a formal complaint about the handling of the case, made by Basildon Council leader Gavin Callaghan. Journet and Hockton were contacted for comment and did not respond. No finding of wrongdoing has been made against Journet in relation to the original allegations.

Pochin told England footballers to "keep winning" for the sake of women's safety

Category: gender based comment

Location: United Kingdom

In a video posted on X on 18 June 2026 after England beat Croatia, Sarah Pochin said: "England won the football last night and thank goodness they did. Because on the occasions that they lose their football matches, the incidents of domestic violence go through the roof. So boys, keep winning." The caption read: "For the sake of women's safety we need England to keep winning." Refuge, Women's Aid, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and several Labour MPs said the framing shifted responsibility from abusers onto football results. Hours later she posted a longer statement saying no result excuses violence and linked a helpline, then defended the original clip on Sky News as highlighting a known statistical spike.

Sources: https://refuge.org.uk/news/refuge-responds-to-sarah-pochin-mp-comment-that-england-should-win-more-world-cup-matches-to-reduce-domestic-abuse/ https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/sarah-pochin-mp-england-world-cup-domestic-violence-b2998783.html https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/reform-mp-england-domestic-abuse-women-5Hjdbn9_2/ https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-mps-sarah-pochin-womens-safety-world-cup-football-domestic-violence-b1286726.html

Zia Yusuf demanded a total visa ban on Sudanese nationals after a Belfast knife attack

Category: xenophobia

Following a knife attack in Belfast in June 2026, after which a Sudanese man with leave to remain was arrested and charged, Yusuf announced that a Reform government would impose a total ban on visas for people from Sudan. He said "Prime Minister Farage will reverse the invasion and ensure you no longer have to endure the horrors seen in Belfast today." The pledge was made while the case was still at charge stage and applied a blanket penalty to every national of a country in the middle of a civil war, including people with no connection to the attack. It followed a pattern of policy announcements framed around individual criminal cases.

Sources: https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2215465/reform-uk-pledges-total-ban https://spectator.com/article/sudanese-knife-attack-suspect-had-leave-to-remain/

Zia Yusuf repeatedly branded Conservative and Labour politicians "traitors"

Category: inflammatory language

Through 2026 Yusuf used the language of treachery against elected opponents, describing Conservative and Labour politicians who he said had created "the burning injustice of modern Britain" as traitors to their country, and warning that "a reckoning is coming." He applied the term to named individuals as well as to parties. The pattern was documented by HuffPost, the Spectator and others, and drew criticism that a senior figure in a party seeking government was normalising the idea that political opponents are enemies of the nation. Yusuf did not withdraw the language and continued to defend it when challenged.

Sources: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/zia-yusuf-tory-labour-traitors_uk_6a1c1a6fe4b005ae41836729 https://spectator.com/article/can-zia-yusuf-really-complain-about-inflammatory-language/ https://inews.co.uk/opinion/true-face-reform-snarling-dangerous-4688973

Laila Cunningham claimed Britain has let Islamists "thrive" and called for a halt to legal migration

Category: inflammatory language

Location: London

In an interview broadcast in May 2026, Laila Cunningham claimed that the United Kingdom had allowed Islamists to thrive because of political correctness, and called for a halt to legal migration, describing the position as "absolutely necessary" to restore public services, wages and social cohesion. She used the interview to defend her earlier position that women wearing the burqa should be stopped and searched. Campaigners have argued that framing migration and British Muslims in these terms fuels hostility towards minority communities in London, the most diverse city in the country, and that the claims were presented without supporting evidence.

Pochin deleted a video promoting a constituent jailed for a £740,000 benefits fraud

Category: inappropriate behaviour

Location: Runcorn and Helsby

On 27 May 2026, Sarah Pochin posted a video of constituent Ethel McGill praising Reform UK for helping her obtain an adapted bungalow, captioned "Helping people like Ethel is why I love my job". LBC then reported that McGill had been jailed in 2019 for five years and ten months after concealing her father's death and fraudulently claiming around £740,000 in benefits and a war pension, one of the largest single-person benefit frauds recorded. Pochin deleted the video within hours and said: "As an MP, I have to take people at face value. My office does not run background checks on constituents," adding that the issues her office handled were unrelated to the offence. A party that campaigns relentlessly on benefit fraud had promoted one of the country's largest benefit fraudsters as a success story.

Sources: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/reform-sarah-pochin-ethel-mcgill-benefits-fraud-b2985228.html https://www.independent.co.uk/bulletin/news/reform-uk-sarah-pochin-ethel-mcgill-b2985365.html https://www.lbc.co.uk/article/reform-benefits-ethel-mcgill-video-cheat-scam-fraud-5HjdZpr_2/

Reversed his stated position on local government reorganisation after the May 2026 elections

Category: factual inaccuracy

Location: Essex

In March 2026, Sam Journet told a council meeting: "If Cllr Emma Callaghan thinks Reform UK is going to curtail LGR, here is some breaking news for her and the rest of the chamber. Reform UK will deliver LGR in line with statutory requirements." After being elected to Essex County Council in May 2026, where Reform took control and announced a legal challenge to local government reorganisation, he described the process on Facebook as "costly madness". Reporting in May 2026 set the two positions against each other. Journet said his position had changed "because the facts have changed", citing the Government's imposition of a five-unitary model for Essex and costs he put at more than £100m.

Standards complaint over £5,000 donation and Pochin's packaging campaign

Category: conflict of interest

Location: House of Commons

Sarah Pochin accepted a £5,000 donation on 19 May 2026 from Catherine Wantling of Etonbrook Ltd, linked to the Wantling family and food producer Meadow Vale Foods, to fund her parliamentary office. She had been campaigning against the Extended Producer Responsibility packaging scheme, describing producers as unfairly penalised, and tabled questions to Defra after the donation was made. The Good Law Project and DeSmog asked the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards to investigate, reported on 4 August 2026. They stated there was no evidence of a quid pro quo, but argued the proximity between the donation and the campaigning warranted scrutiny.

Sources: https://www.desmog.com/2026/08/04/reform-mp-sarah-pochin-parliamentary-standards-investigation/ https://www.theyworkforyou.com/regmem/?p=26683

Stephen Mousdell resigned a day after election following newspaper report

Category: scandal

Location: St. Helens

Stephen Mousdell was elected as a Reform UK councillor in St Helens on 7 May 2026 and resigned the following day, after the Liverpool Echo reported on his separate appearances in pornographic videos online. The seat was left vacant immediately after the poll. Reform UK has not published a detailed statement on the vetting of the candidacy.

Sources: https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/st-helens-reform-councillor-says-33952245

Danielle Cavanagh resigned Gateshead seat days after being elected

Category: party management issue

Location: Gateshead

Danielle Cavanagh resigned her Gateshead Council seat shortly after being elected as a Reform UK councillor on 7 May 2026, becoming the first Reform UK resignation in the authority. The resignation left the ward vacant and required a by-election. Reform UK has not set out the reasons for her departure.

Sources: https://jonathanwallace.blogspot.com/2026/05/first-reform-resignation-in-gateshead.html