Reform UK faces severe political fallout following an undercover investigation by ITV News that captured several councillors and candidates making racist, misogynistic, and violently extreme statements across England and Wales.
Alan Feeney Describes Asian Families as Parasites
The investigative footage centers heavily on Alan Feeney, a Reform councillor and deputy mayor of Solihull who defected from the Conservative Party in 2025. During canvassing in the West Midlands, Feeney was secretly recorded telling undercover reporters that the local area had been infested
with Asian families, whom he described as absolute parasites
.
Further footage from the documentary shows Feeney discussing plans for a local mosque alongside other candidates, including Jamie Campbell and Chris Whelan.
Additional footage captured individuals discussing a female Reform candidate using sexually aggressive and sexist language. During related canvassing efforts, undercover recordings caught candidates discussing plans to bury pork chops in the ground near a prospective mosque site to prevent its construction. Other recorded remarks included claims that King Charles is a Muslim, alongside statements regarding demographic projections for the British population.
Reporting details how Feeney also explained his strategy for electoral success to undercover reporters, noting that candidates must just be a bit savvy to get the broad appeal, then once you’re in you can do what you want
.
Reform UK Improves Vetting After Feeney Resigns
The fallout prompted immediate personnel changes. Feeney announced that he had mutually agreed to resign from Reform UK for personal reasons, choosing to continue his local work as an independent councillor.
In a statement issued after the broadcast, Reform UK said the party had improved and prioritised its vetting procedures, but from time to time, a handful of individuals who do not share their values would occasionally make it through vetting.
Where members, activists and councillors have clearly behaved inappropriately, investigations have commenced. In some cases, there have been suspensions and due process must be followed.
Reform UK Spokesperson
Political Reactions Across Westminster
Rival political parties condemned the remarks captured in the documentary. Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson criticized the defense offered by leadership, asserting that Nigel Farage cannot dismiss the findings as isolated incidents involving a few bad apples.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called the footage chilling, while Conservative critics pointed to the scandal as evidence of failure in the party’s preparations for government. A Green Party spokesperson added that the statements reflect core priorities regarding migrant and Muslim communities.
The full documentary, titled Undercover: A Year in Reform, is scheduled to air on October 18 on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
