Several Reform UK candidates and election agents in Greater Manchester have posted extremist and offensive content on social media, raising concerns about the party’s vetting process just before local polls across all 10 councils.
Reform UK anticipates strong gains in multiple boroughs next week, but the rapid candidate selection has prompted questions over scrutiny of their online histories. Examples include a candidate labeling an Orthodox Jewish community a ‘demonic social structure,’ an election agent questioning if Enoch Powell was ‘right,’ and another nominee promoting COVID-19 conspiracy theories.
Stockport Election Agent’s Controversial Shares
Dave Pinfold, Reform election agent in Edgeley, Stockport, recently shared posts declaring ‘Allah is Satan,’ urging the closure of all UK mosques, and depicting a masked man with a pig outside a halal butcher.
Pinfold stated he informed the candidate that some posts were controversial and inquired about vetting. He was told it was unnecessary as an agent.
Labour’s Dossier and Responses
Labour recently highlighted numerous Reform candidates nationwide with what it calls ‘dangerous and extreme views.’ Communities Secretary Steve Reed MP remarked, ‘The idea that Nigel Farage thinks these candidates pushing vile racism, misogyny and conspiracy theories are suitable, is frankly staggering.’
Local Reform UK members dismiss the dossier as a ‘politically motivated attack.’ Party leader Nigel Farage has pledged vetting improvements, previously noting it fell short and attributing issues to ‘sometimes people lie.’ A Reform UK spokesman confirmed the allegations are under thorough investigation.
Tribute Ceremony at Heaton Park Synagogue
A moving ceremony took place at Heaton Park synagogue to honor Adrian Daulby and Melvin Cravitz, victims of October’s terror attack.
Farmer Resists Hyde Housing Development
Seventy-six-year-old Alan French, residing on a scenic farmstead in Hyde, refuses to sell amid plans for 2,150 nearby homes. Having lost two prior farms to compulsory purchases, French told developers they must ‘wait till I’m dead.’ He added, ‘I just think, piss off, leave me alone, I’m not moving.’
London Museum Logo Sparks Plagiarism Dispute
Husband-and-wife artists Michael Wild and Rebecca May from May Wild Studio in Saddleworth, Oldham, accuse the London Museum of copying their 2018 ‘Coo Pigeon’ design for its new logo, which features a similar pooing pigeon. The couple contemplates legal action over the ‘striking resemblance.’ The museum, relocating to Smithfield’s former market for £437 million, attributes any similarity to coincidence.
Weather and Traffic Updates
Met Office forecasts predict 22°C tomorrow and a warm 24°C on Friday. Wilmslow Road in Didsbury remains closed westbound from Parrs Wood Road to Towers Business Park until May 11 due to gas main repairs.
