Regulatory Scrutiny Over Undercover Footage
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has formally written to Reform UK to raise concerns about racial and sexual remarks made by party members. The inquiry follows the broadcast of an undercover ITV documentary titled "Undercover: A Year in Reform" in October, which featured footage of councillors and candidates expressing racist and misogynistic views.
In its correspondence, the EHRC asked the party to provide information on what action it is taking to comply with the Equality Act. The watchdog cited complaints alleging unlawful activity under the Equality Act 2010 regarding remarks made by councillors and members.
An EHRC statement emphasized that political parties must comply with the Equality Act and avoid discrimination or harassment on grounds of race, religion, belief, and sex.
Specific Allegations in Documentary
The documentary included footage of Reform councillor Alan Feeney calling Asian homeowners "parasites." Feeney was also recorded making Islamophobic remarks and stating that "no more than 1% of [the] British population can be non-white." These comments formed a central part of the complaints lodged with the regulator.
Other candidates were recorded making comments of extreme violence. One Bromley councillor was filmed calling for King Charles to be killed. Another candidate made disturbing sexual and misogynistic comments about female colleagues, adding to the breadth of allegations under investigation.
The footage also showed Reform MP Sarah Pochin complaining that the party was "chauvinistic" and riven with "alpha male shit." Her remarks highlighted internal tensions regarding the culture within the party structure.
Legal Pushback and Official Denials
A Reform UK spokesperson responded to the EHRC letter by stating confidence that the party has fully complied with its obligations under the Equality Act. The spokesperson asserted there is "no room for racism in Reform UK," directly countering the allegations presented in the watchdog's inquiry.
Reform UK reported ITV and its reporters to the police and threatened civil legal action against the broadcaster. This aggressive response underscores the party's stance against the methods used to gather the evidence, even as it faces regulatory pressure to address the conduct of its members.