- Reform UK has defended Kirklees councillor Tracy Clayton after she published a Facebook post appearing to label immigrants as "third world animals" and stating she did not care if she was branded a "far right racist".
- In her post written whilst on holiday in Greece, Clayton complained about "invaders", shop raiding, gang rapes, Sharia courts and child marriage in Britain, contrasting this with her experience abroad.
- Reform UK's council leader in Kirklees, Sarah Wood, alongside the national party, backed Clayton by arguing her underlying message about mass immigration was correct and that many local residents would sympathise.
- Independent councillor Akhtar Kasia and local residents expressed deep concern over the remarks, warning that such dehumanising language from elected officials has sparked fear among immigrant communities.
- Labour MPs representing Kirklees, including Kim Leadbeater and Harpreet Uppal, issued a joint statement condemning the comments as deeply offensive and unacceptable for anyone holding public office.
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