Reform UK is facing mounting pressure after up to 12 of its newly elected councillors were accused of sharing Islamophobic and far-right content on social media. The allegations have triggered public concern over the party’s use of AI-driven vetting software and raised serious questions about the integrity of its candidate selection process.
Several councillors, elected in the party’s local election breakthrough last week, allegedly reposted material from Britain First—a far-right organisation known for its anti-Muslim rhetoric and provocative stunts. This includes councillors from Leicestershire, Thurrock, and West Northamptonshire, some of whom are reported to have endorsed mass deportation posts and content from Britain First leader Paul Golding, who has a conviction for religiously aggravated harassment.
AI Vetting Fails to Flag Extremist Content
Reform UK has admitted using Ferretly, a US-based AI vetting platform, to screen candidates before the May elections. The software claims to detect hate speech, extremist affiliations, and inflammatory behaviour. However, critics argue that the system failed to detect red flags, undermining Reform’s repeated claims that it operated “the most in-depth vetting procedure” of any party.
Party figurehead Nigel Farage stated that their vetting was done internally with “AI techniques and other things,” calling it a shortcut. By contrast, major parties like Labour and the Conservatives still rely on human-led vetting, with the Tories reportedly assigning 30 staff to screen each general election candidate.
Resignations and Internal Turmoil Within Reform UK
By Thursday, Reform had lost at least three councillors since the election. Among them was Donna Edmunds, suspended in Shropshire after announcing her intent to defect. Edmunds criticised the party leadership, branding Reform “a cult” and accusing Farage of treating members with contempt.
Warwickshire councillor Luke Shingler declared he would serve as an independent due to work commitments with the RAF, while Desmond Clarke resigned his seat in Nottinghamshire, triggering a by-election.
Hope Not Hate Investigation Sparks Backlash
The allegations were uncovered by counter-extremism group Hope Not Hate, which identified elected councillors who had posted anti-Muslim comments, praised far-right figures like Tommy Robinson, denied the Holocaust, and labelled climate change as a “globalist hysterical climate hoax.”
Georgie Laming, Director of Campaigns at Hope Not Hate, criticised Reform’s failure to act: “Despite claiming rigorous vetting, Reform UK continues to deflect responsibility and has yet to remove candidates implicated in hate-filled online activity.”
Reform UK has yet to issue a formal response to the growing scandal.
