Jenrick compares Reform’s vetting failures with BBC presenter scandals

Reform UK faces renewed questions about its candidate vetting after an undercover ITV investigation recorded some party members making racist, sexist and violent remarks. Senior MP Robert Jenrick said no vetting system could be foolproof and likened the challenge of identifying “bad apples” to scandals involving BBC presenters.

Jenrick accused ITV of deceptive methods and defended Nigel Farage, while saying Reform was doing more than other parties to screen candidates. The investigation has prompted several councillors to quit; later footage also raised questions about the party’s selection process, including a staff member’s description of how applicants were assessed. Farage has said the party vets candidates to a high standard but cannot predict what they might say in some situations.