Reform’s six-word response to candidates sharing hateful social media posts

LocalPolitics
6 May 2026 • 10:43 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Reform’s six-word response to candidates sharing hateful social media posts

  • Reform UK candidates standing in this week’s local elections have been revealed to have posted racist and Islamophobic views on social media.
  • These candidates also appear to have expressed support for far-right figures including Tommy Robinson and Nick Griffin.
  • Lynn Smith, a candidate for Blackfen and Lamorbey ward, reportedly reposted anti-Muslim graphics and supported Tommy Robinson, while Mike Ferro, for Blendon and Penhill ward, seemingly defended a convicted killer and criticised Black Lives Matter protests.
  • Another candidate, Matt Davis, who has been pictured with Nigel Farage, reportedly posted numerous hate messages about Islam on a now-deleted X account.
  • The revelations have led to criticism from Conservative MPs regarding Reform UK's candidate vetting process, with the party stating “we are looking into these posts”.

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