Liam booth-Isherwood abandons reform UK, backs Conservatives over party’s handling of racism and sexism claims

Liam Booth-Isherwood, a candidate for Reform UK in Erewash, has withdrawn his support from the party and is now endorsing the local Conservative candidate, Maggie Throup. Booth-Isherwood cited what he described as “widespread racism and sexism” within Reform UK as his reason for defecting. He expressed disappointment in the party leadership’s failure to address these issues adequately, leading him to disassociate himself from Reform UK.

Earlier this week, Reform UK faced scrutiny after Channel 4 aired footage showing activists making racist and offensive remarks. While the party distanced itself from those involved, Booth-Isherwood’s decision underscores ongoing concerns about the party’s internal culture and leadership response to such incidents.

In response to Booth-Isherwood’s defection, Richard Tice, Reform UK’s chairman, accused the Conservative Party of orchestrating defections by offering inducements to candidates to disparage Reform UK and endorse Conservative rivals. Tice labelled these actions as “dark forces at play by desperate Tories.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, addressing supporters in Birmingham, acknowledged past issues within the party but insisted that problematic individuals had been removed. He criticized media coverage, particularly Channel 4’s reporting, as part of a smear campaign against Reform UK. Farage’s defiant stance contrasts with Booth-Isherwood’s decision to leave the party, highlighting internal divisions within Reform UK amid the election campaign.

Booth-Isherwood’s withdrawal from the race comes after Reform UK’s leadership had previously disowned three other candidates for offensive remarks. Despite suspending his campaign, Booth-Isherwood’s name will still appear on the ballot paper due to electoral regulations.

In response to Booth-Isherwood’s defection, the Conservative Party issued a statement suggesting that a vote for Reform UK could indirectly benefit Labour, emphasizing the strategic implications in closely contested constituencies like Erewash.

The developments in Erewash reflect broader challenges facing minor parties during elections, particularly regarding internal discipline and external scrutiny over candidate conduct. Booth-Isherwood’s departure underscores the impact of allegations of racism and sexism on party cohesion and electoral strategy.

Sky News

In the final stretch of the UK general election campaign, tensions have escalated between Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage following a scandal involving racist remarks made by a Reform UK canvasser. The controversy erupted after undercover footage aired by Channel 4 showed Andrew Parker, a Reform campaigner, using derogatory language against Sunak, who is of Indian descent, and suggesting violent measures against migrants.

Sunak, visibly emotional, condemned the slurs, emphasizing their personal impact and calling for Farage to address the issue within his party. He reiterated his stance during public appearances, stating that such behaviour should be unequivocally denounced and handled seriously. In response, Farage alleged that Parker was set up, casting doubt on the authenticity of the footage and deflecting blame.

The scandal has had repercussions within Reform UK itself. Liam Booth-Isherwood, a candidate in Erewash, publicly disowned the party due to its handling of the incident and pledged support for the Conservative candidate instead. This defection underscores broader concerns about Reform UK’s internal culture and leadership’s response to allegations of racism and sexism.

As the election draws near, both Sunak and his main rival, Labour leader Keir Starmer, have intensified their campaigns. Sunak has positioned himself as the candidate of stability and economic recovery, while Starmer emphasizes the need for change and accuses the Conservatives of favouring the wealthy over the broader population.

The electoral landscape remains volatile, with polls indicating a close race and potential shifts in voter sentiment. Beyond the main contenders, controversies have surfaced involving Conservative-affiliated student groups and allegations of Russian social media interference, adding layers of complexity to an already heated election cycle.

In summary, the campaign’s final days are marked by intense scrutiny, strategic manoeuvring, and a focus on key issues such as leadership integrity, party values, and national direction. The outcome will hinge on how effectively each party addresses these challenges and resonates with an electorate grappling with diverse concerns amid significant political polarization.

The Telegraph

Liam Booth-Isherwood, a candidate for Reform UK in Erewash, has withdrawn from the election and thrown his support behind the Conservative Party, citing concerns over Reform’s handling of racism and sexism allegations within the party. Booth-Isherwood criticized Nigel Farage and Reform leadership for failing to address these issues seriously, prompting his decision to endorse Maggie Throup, the Tory candidate, as the best option to prevent a Labour super-majority.

His defection, though occurring after candidate nominations closed, leaves his name on the ballot. The Conservatives seized on this development, highlighting that if Reform voters followed Booth-Isherwood’s lead, it could significantly impact the election outcome by thwarting Labour’s potential dominance.

Meanwhile, Nigel Farage faced distractions during his campaign, including a prank involving a banner featuring Vladimir Putin at a rally, which he dismissed as insignificant amid accusations of Russian interference via social media to boost Reform’s standing. This allegation, described by Oliver Dowden as classic Russian interference, prompted Tory inquiries into the matter, seeking clarification from UK authorities.

The election’s final days are now set against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny over party integrity, electoral tactics, and external influences, with both major parties intensifying efforts to sway undecided voters amidst a closely contested race.

The Guardian

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, faced ongoing challenges amid accusations of prejudice within his party and the resignation of candidate Liam Booth-Isherwood, who defected to the Conservatives citing Reform’s failure to address racism and sexism. Farage denied intentionally stoking prejudice for political gain, despite criticisms over his past remarks and recent controversies.

At a campaign rally in Birmingham, Farage addressed supporters amidst disruptions, including a prank banner featuring Vladimir Putin, which he dismissed. He also faced scrutiny over alleged Russian interference in supporting Reform UK through coordinated social media efforts, though he labelled these claims as baseless.

Reform UK dropped support for three candidates following controversies highlighted on BBC’s Question Time but retained others criticized for social media posts disparaging Islam and comparing Israel to Nazi Germany. Farage defended his party’s position, arguing that former British National Party supporters now aligned with Reform UK due to the BNP’s dissolution.

The election campaign intensified as parties sought to sway voters in the final week, with Reform UK maintaining a strong polling position despite internal and external challenges. Farage’s leadership continued to be tested amid ongoing controversies and attempts to position his party against accusations of fostering prejudice.