A recent investigation by a media outlet has uncovered the presence of Reform candidates on a leaked British National Party list. Despite Nigel Farage’s criticism of the BNP’s “racist agenda” and his assertion that former BNP activists are not welcome in his party, it has been revealed that three local election candidates affiliated with Reform were listed as members or contacts of the BNP during Nick Griffin’s leadership.
Upon being contacted by the media, Reform stated that these candidates were removed from the party for not disclosing their previous memberships in a proscribed organization. The individuals include a technology sector employee who mentioned overseeing international teams and a roofing company owner photographed dressed as a sheikh with monopoly money.
This revelation is another setback for Reform, especially after reports last year indicated a relaxation in their vetting process. A collaborative investigation with anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate matched names from the leaked BNP list from 2008.
Joe Mulhall, the director of research at Hope Not Hate, commented on the findings, highlighting the persistent presence of extremists within Reform despite the party’s claims to the contrary. Farage’s past statements about barring former BNP activists from joining his party have been contradicted by the discovery of ex-BNP supporters within Reform’s ranks.
The investigation identified George Parnell, a technology worker from Hampshire, as one of the individuals listed as a BNP supporter. Parnell initially admitted to briefly considering BNP membership before disavowing the party’s views. Another candidate, John Black, denied ever being a BNP member despite his name appearing on the leaked list. David Prior, a roofing firm owner from Gateshead, acknowledged his past association with the BNP but emphasized his disassociation from the organization.
Reform UK has since expelled Parnell, Prior, and Black for failing to disclose their previous affiliations with a proscribed group. These incidents raise questions about Reform’s vetting procedures, especially in light of recent revelations about other candidates with controversial backgrounds.
