Nigel Farage faces criticism from both Tories and Labour for his handling of racism allegations within Reform UK.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed solidarity with Rishi Sunak's condemnation of a racial slur used by a Reform UK activist in Clacton, captured in an undercover report.
Security minister Tom Tugendhat highlighted concerns over a "pattern of racist and misogynistic views" within Farage's party. An undercover journalist from Channel 4 recorded campaigners in Clacton making racist remarks, including about the Prime Minister, who is of Indian descent.
Footage revealed Reform campaigner Andrew Parker using a racist term against Mr. Sunak and advocating using migrants for "target practice." Another canvasser disparaged the Pride flag as "degenerate" and made derogatory remarks about the LGBT community.
Sir Keir criticised Mr Farage for insufficient action, emphasising that party leaders set the tone and standards for their organisations.
During a campaign visit in Hampshire, Sir Keir Starmer told reporters, "I don’t think Mr Farage has shown the leadership he should have. Condemning remarks after the fact is not sufficient. As a party leader, you set the tone, culture, and standards, and I believe more leadership is needed."
In response to the incident, Mr Sunak talked about the impact on his family: “To know my girls may have heard their dad be called a ‘f****** P***’ by someone campaigning for Reform is shocking. We are better than that as a country.”
Asked if he sympathised with the Prime Minister, Sir Keir said: “I do, and I thought what he said about his daughters in particular was very powerful.
“And I’m glad he said it and I share his disgust at the comments that were made.”
