Reform local election candidates’ offensive social media posts unearthed

LocalPolitics
22 Apr 2026 • 12:44 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Reform local election candidates’ offensive social media posts unearthed

  • Reform UK is facing scrutiny after The Independent unearthed social media posts from three local election candidates containing alleged racist, misogynistic, and homophobic views.
  • Andrew Mahon, standing in Blackburn, reportedly made homophobic remarks about politicians, a racist comment, and a remark about Angela Rayner's weight.
  • Brett Muscroft, a Wakefield candidate, allegedly expressed support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson and shared an image equating Islam to cancer.
  • Arnold Tabor, also standing in Wakefield, is accused of suggesting migrants in the English Channel should be shot and forced into unpaid labour.
  • Labour Party Chair Anna Turley has called on Nigel Farage to remove the candidates, while Reform UK has stated it is investigating the allegations.

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