A Reform UK candidate for next month’s council elections was twice disciplined by the Conservatives over allegedly offensive or racist comments, according to information that has emerged as the full slate of candidates was confirmed.
The revelations add to scrutiny of Reform UK as campaigning intensifies ahead of a major set of elections on 7 May. More than 5,000 council seats in England are being contested, alongside several mayoralties and elections for the Scottish and Welsh parliaments.
The Conservatives disowned Derek Bullock in 2023 after he allegedly used a racial slur while calling for people of Pakistani heritage to be shot. The Guardian report says Bullock had already faced discipline from the Tories on two occasions over comments described as offensive or racist.
Another Reform UK candidate has also attracted attention after sharing conspiracy theories about Covid. The details have emerged as parties prepare for what is expected to be an important test of support across the UK’s political landscape.
The elections on 7 May will include a wide range of local contests in England, together with votes in Scotland and Wales. The results are likely to be closely watched as a measure of how the main parties are performing.
Reform UK’s candidate selection has now been fully confirmed, placing its local election slate under fresh examination. The disclosures about Bullock and the other candidate are likely to raise further questions about vetting and standards as the campaign moves forward.
