Undercover footage released by ITV Exposure shows Reform UK leader Nigel Farage discussing a social media post by Chris Parry, who was a candidate for the Hampshire and Solent mayoralty. In the video, Farage told his director of communications, Ed Sumner, that Parry should apologize for a January post regarding David Lammy, who was then shadow foreign secretary. The post by Parry suggested Lammy "go home to the Caribbean" during discussions about slavery reparations.
The conversation followed a press conference where Farage stated that Parry needed to offer an apology. The footage shows Farage telling Sumner that Parry "must do it and move on," adding that showing a "bit of sorrow" would be good. Sumner was recorded telling Farage that the leader was "protecting" the candidate and later remarked that he would have kicked Parry out months earlier if the decision were his.
The release follows other undercover recordings from the same investigation that documented Reform UK councillors using derogatory terms for Black and Muslim individuals. Additionally, Reform MP Sarah Pochin was recorded stating that senior party officials exclude women and describing the party environment as "chauvinistic." In another instance, a local branch chair in Chester, Ian Frost, advised an undercover reporter to delete social media history regarding Tommy Robinson before running for office.
For the general public, these developments illustrate the internal handling of allegations involving race and gender within a political organization. Voters and party members will notice the party's response to these recordings, which Reform UK has characterized as a result of "extreme methods of deception" by the production company. The party stated it does not tolerate racism and follows due process for investigations, though it did not comment on specific individual cases while inquiries are active.
The findings have led to calls for further explanation from party leadership. Labour Party chair Bridget Phillipson stated that the responsibility for these incidents rests with Farage and described the party as unfit for office. The full documentary is scheduled to be broadcast on Sunday night. Further actions, such as internal disciplinary hearings or changes to vetting protocols, may follow as the party addresses the concerns raised by its own members and the undercover footage.