Farage defends Reform vetting after ITV racism footage

Nigel Farage has insisted Reform UK does not have an issue with vetting after ITV News broadcast undercover footage of councillors and candidates using racist, violent and sexist language. He said “appropriate action” would be taken against those involved. BBC

Speaking to BBC Look East, Mr Farage said the party vets “to a much higher standard than other parties”. He added: “you can't vet for future comments”. BBC

Reform UK said the people filmed are all under investigation and have either resigned or been suspended. The party said “there is no room for racism” in its ranks. BBC

The ITV investigation was put together over a year. It followed Reform candidates and councillors, elected local representatives, during the May local elections and at four by-election campaigns in 2025, votes held to fill vacant seats. BBC Euronews

Among those filmed was Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull. He was recorded calling Asian homeowners “parasites” and saying the Solihull area has been “infested” with Asian families. BBC

Three councillors have quit after the filming exposed racist views, violence and misogyny. The Guardian The documentary included racist remarks and graphic sexual comments. Financial Times

Mr Farage pointed to 20,000 councillors across the country while defending the party’s processes. Yahoo