Watchdog asks Nigel Farage’s party to explain what steps it is taking to meet its obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
The UK’s equality watchdog has contacted Reform UK following allegations that some of the party’s councillors and prospective candidates made racist, Islamophobic and misogynistic remarks.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it had written to Nigel Farage’s party seeking information about the action it is taking to comply with the Equality Act 2010.
The move follows an undercover ITV documentary, Undercover: A Year in Reform, broadcast in October. The programme featured recordings of several Reform UK representatives and candidates making controversial comments about race, religion and women.
Documentary prompts complaints to watchdog
Among those featured was Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull, who was recorded making derogatory remarks about Asian homeowners and expressing opposition to non-white immigration.
The documentary also included footage of other party figures making comments described as racist, misogynistic and extreme. One Bromley councillor was reportedly recorded calling for King Charles to be killed.
In a separate segment, Reform MP Sarah Pochin criticised the party’s internal culture, describing it as “chauvinistic” and referring to what she called “alpha male” behaviour.
Following the broadcast, the EHRC said it had received complaints alleging potential breaches of the Equality Act 2010, including concerns about racial and sexual remarks made by councillors, prospective councillors and party members.
EHRC seeks explanation from Reform UK
In its statement, the commission confirmed that its letter asked Reform UK to provide information, including details of the steps being taken to meet its legal responsibilities.
The watchdog said it would carefully assess the information received and take action where appropriate.
It also stressed that political parties, like other organisations covered by the law, must comply with the Equality Act and take reasonable steps to prevent discrimination and harassment on grounds including race, religion or belief, and sex.
The EHRC encouraged political parties to review their policies and practices to identify and address any potential discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
Reform UK says it has complied with the law
Responding to the commission’s letter, a Reform UK spokesperson said the party was confident it had fully complied with its obligations under the Equality Act.
“There is no room for racism in Reform UK,” the spokesperson said.
The party has also previously said it had reported ITV and the journalists involved in the documentary to the police and threatened separate civil legal action against the broadcaster.
The EHRC’s latest intervention does not, by itself, establish that Reform UK or any individual has breached the law. The commission says it will consider the complaints and information before deciding whether further action is appropriate.
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