Nigel Farage unveils 29 new Reform councillors while battling accusations of racism and party turmoil

Nigel Farage has attempted to steady Reform UK after weeks of internal conflict, presenting 29 councillors who have joined the party amidst an escalating row over the suspension of MP Rupert Lowe. However, Farage’s efforts to move forward were overshadowed by accusations of “outright racism” towards the party’s chair, Zia Yusuf, and ongoing divisions that continue to shake the party’s foundation.

The new councillors, introduced at a Reform UK event, include 15 former Conservatives, one former Liberal Democrat, and several independents. Among them is a Cheshire councillor who previously left the Labour Party following a dispute over transgender policy. Farage welcomed the additions, describing them as “old lags” with experience, as he sought to divert attention from the unrest plaguing the party.

Despite his push to reframe the narrative, Farage acknowledged the controversy surrounding Lowe’s suspension, admitting that it had caused “some consternation.” He insisted, however, that the fallout remained “very much at the edges” and suggested that an independent report by a barrister into allegations against Lowe could be completed within the week.

Farage bristled at questions about Lowe, whose suspension has sparked resignations among Reform UK members and councillors. Lowe, who was removed from the party and referred to the police over allegations of bullying, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming there is “zero credible evidence” against him. He has also accused the party of silencing him on immigration issues, a claim that has fuelled discontent among his supporters.

In a separate controversy, Farage strongly condemned online abuse directed at Reform UK chair Zia Yusuf, dismissing it as “a deliberate attempt to be as nasty as possible.” Yusuf has faced backlash from both former and current Reform members, with some social media criticism referencing his Muslim faith.

Farage drew a distinction between the attacks on Yusuf and past comments made by Reform MP Lee Anderson about London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Anderson, who joined Reform UK in 2024 after being expelled from the Conservative Party for remarks widely condemned as Islamophobic, remains a divisive figure within the party.

The Guardian has reviewed posts from Facebook groups associated with Reform UK, where some of the criticism of Yusuf appears to have taken on a racial or religious dimension. Asked whether Reform members were responsible for the abuse, Farage dismissed the idea, stating, “I don’t think that those comments online have necessarily come from Reform UK members.”

He reiterated that all political parties he has led have maintained a strict stance against racism and sectarianism. “I have always said they would be non-racist, non-sectarian parties. I’ve always been very tough on that, and I’m going to go on being tough on that,” he insisted.

The turmoil within Reform UK has led to a string of defections, with Lowe’s supporters continuing to leave the party. Among them is Yorkshire councillor Maria Bowtell, who announced that she would serve the remainder of her term as an independent.

As Farage works to contain the fallout, the party remains deeply divided. The results of the barrister’s report on Lowe could prove pivotal, determining whether Reform UK can recover from this period of infighting or whether the fractures within the party will widen even further.