Three Reform UK councillors resign following secret footage of offensive comments

Three Reform UK councillors have left the party after an undercover investigation by ITV secretly recorded them making violent, racist, and sexist remarks, the Daily Mail reported on October 14. The broadcaster obtained covert audio and video of the officials expressing offensive views while campaigning. [1]

In one recording highlighted by the Daily Mail, Alan Feeney, who was appointed as deputy mayor of Solihull Borough Council in May, made derogatory comments while canvassing in the West Midlands. He stated that the local area was infested with Asian families, referred to them as absolute parasites, and asserted that they should be deported. [1]

Reform UK is a right-wing populist political party in the United Kingdom led by Nigel Farage, who became leader in June 2024. In the July 2024 general election, the party secured five seats in the House of Commons, including Farage's victory in the Clacton constituency. [2][3]

The party holds seats across various levels of government, including eight members of Parliament, two London Assembly members, 33 Senedd members, and 17 members of the Scottish Parliament. Reform UK also holds two police and crime commissioner positions and maintains control over 26 local councils. [2]