Nigel Farage is under pressure to suspend a Reform council candidate following remarks that have been criticized as “offensive” and “discriminatory.”
Mike Manning, the Reform UK candidate for Redcar, made derogatory comments about Jewish and Muslim communities, suggesting that circumcision affects their judgment. Manning, a former Royal Artillery serviceman, also made derogatory references to a “traditional stuffed chimpanzee” in relation to posts about Kwanzaa, a festival celebrating African-American culture and heritage.
Anna Turley, Chair of the Labour Party and MP for Redcar, has called for Manning to be removed as a candidate. Turley condemned the increasing instances of Reform politicians expressing racist and bigoted views, urging Farage to take action against the offensive language. She demanded that Manning be immediately suspended, and emphasized the need for Farage to disassociate from such remarks.
Daisy Cooper, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has written to Farage requesting the expulsion of Manning from Reform UK. Cooper criticized Farage for allowing individuals with such offensive views to represent the party and called for Manning’s immediate suspension to uphold the integrity of British politics.
In her letter, Cooper condemned Manning’s racist and xenophobic beliefs, questioning whether Reform UK properly vetted him before candidacy. She urged Farage to take swift action in suspending Manning and denouncing such racist views within the party.
Manning is contesting in the Zetland ward on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, where Labour holds the largest number of seats, though the council operates without overall control. Following a disciplinary investigation, Reform UK has withdrawn its support for Manning’s candidacy, as Farage acknowledged flaws in the party’s vetting process at a recent press conference.
