The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has written to Reform UK after receiving complaints about remarks made by party councillors, prospective councillors and members in ITV’s Undercover: A Year in Reform, broadcast in October.
The watchdog said its letter asks the party to provide information, including details of the action it is taking to comply with the Equality Act 2010. The complaints allege potentially unlawful conduct involving racial and sexual remarks.
The documentary included footage of Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull, referring to Asian homeowners as “parasites”, making Islamophobic comments and saying that no more than 1% of the British population should be non-white.
Other footage showed candidates making comments involving extreme violence, as well as racist and misogynistic remarks. A councillor in Bromley was recorded calling for King Charles to be killed, while another made disturbing sexual and misogynistic comments about female colleagues.
Reform MP Sarah Pochin was also shown describing the party as “chauvinistic” and dominated by what she called “alpha male shit”.
The EHRC said it would assess the information provided and take action where appropriate. It stressed that political parties must comply with the Equality Act and take steps to prevent discrimination and harassment on grounds including race, religion or belief, and sex.
The commission said parties could review their policies and practices to identify possible discrimination, harassment or victimisation. Reform leader Nigel Farage has previously said the party’s vetting procedures had improved significantly.
Reform said it had reported ITV and the programme’s reporters to police and had separately threatened civil legal action against the broadcaster. In response to the EHRC letter, a party spokesperson said Reform was confident it had fully complied with its obligations under the Equality Act and that “there is no room for racism in Reform UK.”
Sources: The Guardian World.