A Reform UK council member faced suspension following allegations of downplaying the party’s strict stance on immigration. Lancashire County Council’s County Councillor Tom Pickup was suspended after purported messages attributed to him were disclosed by the Reform Party UK Exposed account, indicating his support for mass deportations.
In the WhatsApp exchanges, County Cllr Pickup, referred to as “Tom,” seemingly endorsed the idea of mass deportations and emphasized the need for a clearer immigration policy within the party. He acknowledged that Reform members held more hardline views on immigration privately than what was publicly expressed.
The Labour Party in the county condemned the comments as “despicable,” especially in light of recent allegations against Nigel Farage. The party demanded an explanation from Reform UK for failing to vet its representatives adequately and urged an apology to the residents of Lancashire.
Reform UK faced turmoil in councils, notably winning a majority on Kent County Council in May but subsequently suspending nine councillors. These events unfolded as Nigel Farage faced accusations of racism and anti-Semitic remarks during his school days, which he denies.
Councillor Pickup responded to his suspension by expressing readiness for an investigation to reveal the truth. Reform UK has been contacted for comment on the matter.