Britain’s Reform UK party is facing renewed scrutiny following the release of an undercover investigation that captured party councillors and candidates making racist and sexist remarks. The footage, obtained over several months and due to be broadcast on Sunday, includes disturbing language such as referring to black children as “animals” and describing Asian families as “absolute parasites.” In addition, a Reform candidate was filmed making sexually explicit comments about a female candidate.

The investigation covers activities during the local elections in May and subsequent by-elections in 2025 and 2026. Among those implicated is Alan Feeney, a councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull, who was suspended from his prison service job following the exposure of his racist comments. Another candidate, Chris Whelan, resigned from the party after being recorded saying he would have sexually assaulted a female candidate under certain circumstances. Three Reform members implicated in the footage have resigned so far.

Internal tensions within Reform UK have also come to light. Ed Sumner, the party’s director of communications, was filmed accusing the party leader Nigel Farage of protecting a mayoral candidate, Dr Chris Parry, who made racist social media posts about then-Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy. Sumner labeled Parry “clearly a racist” and expressed frustration that Farage resisted calls to expel him, instructing only that an apology be issued to Lammy. Parry later faced suspension over separate remarks regarding a Jewish neighborhood watch group, though the results of any party investigation remain undisclosed. Parry has denied that an investigation took place.

Reactions to the revelations have been critical. Labour Party chairwoman Bridget Phillipson described the comments as “extreme racism,” while Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged Reform UK to take “immediate and firm action.” The Conservative Party pointed to the incidents as evidence of Reform’s failure to prepare for government under Farage’s leadership.

Reform UK has responded by emphasizing ongoing investigations into inappropriate behavior and highlighting improvements to its candidate vetting procedures. A party spokesperson stated there is “no room for racism in Reform UK” and stressed the importance of due process. Farage defended the party’s vetting standard as more rigorous than those of other political groups but acknowledged the challenge of predicting individuals’ behavior, especially when they are provoked or under the influence.

These developments follow previous controversies surrounding Reform UK, including allegations of financial impropriety that led to senior departures within the party. While Reform once surged ahead in opinion polls, recent surveys indicate the party has fallen to third place behind Labour and the Conservatives.

The upcoming broadcast of the full investigation is expected to bring further attention to these issues, raising questions about Reform UK’s internal culture and leadership as the party prepares for future elections.