Three councillors from Reform UK have resigned following the release of video footage in which they used sexist and Islamophobic language. The recordings, aired by ITV News, have intensified scrutiny on the party and its leader, Nigel Farage, who has previously pledged to remove problematic members from the organisation.

The footage, captured during canvassing activities in April and May, features Alan Feeney, a councillor from Solihull, referring to Asian families in the area as “absolute parasites.” Alongside Feeney, fellow Reform UK councillors Jamie Campbell and Chris Whelan were also heard making sexist and Islamophobic remarks during conversations.

Chris Whelan has resigned, citing personal and health reasons. Alan Feeney stated he had “mutually agreed” to step down but indicated he would continue his political work as an independent councillor. Another figure, Dean Miller from Bromley in south London, was recorded using a racial slur, describing Black children as “animals” while campaigning. Miller told ITV he had been heavily medicated at the time of the incident and is no longer affiliated with Reform UK.

In response to the controversy, Richard Tice, Reform UK’s deputy leader, suggested that one individual featured in the video might have been a “Tory plant” aimed at discrediting the party. The incident places further pressure on Nigel Farage, who has emphasized his commitment to rooting out “bad apples” within Reform UK.

The resignations and the party’s internal turmoil come as Reform UK seeks to establish a foothold in British politics, with the leadership grappling with the fallout from inflammatory comments made by its members.