- Reform UK candidates standing in this week’s local elections have been revealed to have posted racist and Islamophobic views on social media.
- These candidates also appear to have expressed support for far-right figures including Tommy Robinson and Nick Griffin.
- Lynn Smith, a candidate for Blackfen and Lamorbey ward, reportedly reposted anti-Muslim graphics and supported Tommy Robinson, while Mike Ferro, for Blendon and Penhill ward, seemingly defended a convicted killer and criticised Black Lives Matter protests.
- Another candidate, Matt Davis, who has been pictured with Nigel Farage, reportedly posted numerous hate messages about Islam on a now-deleted X account.
- The revelations have led to criticism from Conservative MPs regarding Reform UK's candidate vetting process, with the party stating “we are looking into these posts”.
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