Three Reform councillors resign after undercover recordings expose remarks
An undercover ITV investigation recorded several Reform UK councillors and candidates making violent, racist and sexist remarks, prompting three councillors to leave the party. The recordings have renewed scrutiny of Reform’s vetting and conduct as it seeks to build its presence in local politics.
Alan Feeney and Chris Whelan, both councillors in the West Midlands, resigned, as did Bromley councillor Dean Miller, who said he was disabled and heavily medicated when he made his comments. Tameside councillor Raymond Dunning, who called for colleagues to be shot, remains in the party. Reform criticised ITV’s methods, said some figures had been suspended and should face due process, while deputy leader Richard Tice alleged one person was a “Tory plant”.
- Three Reform councillors resigned after undercover recordings.
- The remarks included racist, sexist and violent comments.
- One councillor remains in the party; Reform disputes the investigation’s methods.
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Reform UK is a political party led by Nigel Farage. It has been seeking to expand its support and representation in local councils, where councillors make decisions on services such as housing, planning and waste collection.
Political parties often select and vet candidates before elections, and councillors are expected to follow their party’s rules and the standards that apply to elected officials. How a party handles concerns about its members can affect public confidence in its candidates and its local work.
ITV’s undercover investigation involved recording people connected with Reform, including councillors and candidates. Reform questioned the way the recordings were obtained; the dispute raises questions about the conduct of those recorded and how parties should respond to allegations.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The recordings raise legitimate concerns about whether Reform’s candidate vetting and conduct rules are strong enough, particularly when elected representatives make remarks that appear to endorse violence or express prejudice. Voters are entitled to expect party leaders to respond consistently and to scrutinise whether suspensions or resignations adequately address the issue.
The case against
Reform can reasonably argue that undercover reporting may lack context and that allegations should be assessed fairly before individuals are judged or sanctioned. If recordings are selectively presented, or a person’s health or political motives are relevant, due process helps protect against unfair conclusions while the party investigates and applies its standards.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Reform councillors quit after being caught on camera making violent, racist and sexist remarks”.