Nigel Farage Defends Reform UK Vetting After Undercover Racism Exposé

Nigel Farage has strongly defended Reform UK against criticism over its candidate vetting process, following an undercover investigative documentary broadcast by ITV News titled Undercover: A Year in Reform, which captured hidden footage over a twelve-month period.

The documentary revealed eight figures linked to Reform UK—including candidates and local councillors across England and Wales running in local elections and by-elections—using racist, violent, and sexist language behind closed doors.

"No, not at all. We actually vet to a much higher standard than the other parties."

Nigel Farage

Among those filmed was Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull in the West Midlands who defected from the Conservative Party in 2025, who was recorded referring to Asian homeowners as "parasites". Two other candidates, Jamie Campbell and Chris Whelan, were also recorded discussing local mosque rumors.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Reform UK responded by stating that all individuals featured in the broadcast are currently under investigation and have either resigned or been suspended from the party. Meanwhile, Dean Miller, a councillor in the south London borough of Bromley who also appeared in the film, resigned to sit as an independent, releasing a statement citing heavy medication for a chronic pain condition during the incident and condemning all forms of discrimination in British politics.