Councillor Daniel Whitmore, newly elected in West Midlands, retracted a Facebook post that demanded police "investigate non-white persons" for allegedly "taking over" a park in Walsall. The message, posted on Wednesday, described the situation as an "invasion" and urged authorities to "act before it’s too late."
Whitmore’s party, Reform UK, swiftly distanced itself, condemning the remarks as unacceptable. A spokesperson stated the organisation had no tolerance for racist language and was investigating disciplinary action. "This does not reflect our values or policies," the spokesperson said.
Key Points
- ✅ Whitmore elected Reform UK councillor in May 2024
- ⚡ Post targeted specific ethnic groups in Walsall park
- 💡 Party and local officials condemned the language
Walsall Council’s leadership joined the condemnation, with Labour leader Cllr Bilal Afsar calling the post "deeply disturbing" and demanding an apology. "Public servants must serve all residents equally," Afsar said. The council’s equalities team confirmed they were assessing the post’s compliance with local hate speech policies.
📋 By The Numbers
- 48 hours — Time before Whitmore deleted the post
- 3 complaints — Filed with West Midlands Police
Whitmore issued a statement Thursday evening, acknowledging the post was "ill-advised and harmful." He claimed it was a poorly worded attempt to highlight concerns about anti-social behaviour, not race. "That was not my intention, and I regret any offence caused," he wrote. The statement did not address why his concerns were framed around ethnicity.
| Response | Reform UK | Walsall Council |
|---|---|---|
| Statement | Condemned post, launched internal review | Called for apology, reviewed policies |
| Discipline | Potential expulsion under equalities code | No direct action yet |
The incident has reignited debates over far-right influence in local politics. Reform UK, formerly the Brexit Party, has seen a surge in support in former Labour strongholds, with three councillors now elected in the West Midlands. Critics argue the party’s rhetoric normalises divisive language, while supporters claim it gives voice to overlooked communities.
💡 Pro Tip
Local politicians should avoid inflammatory language on social media, even in private accounts. Public posts are subject to scrutiny, and poorly worded statements can escalate into crises within hours.
Whitmore’s apology has not quelled all criticism. Community leaders in Walsall’s diverse wards are demanding his resignation, arguing his presence undermines trust in local government. "Words have consequences," said activist Aisha Khan. "This isn’t just about one post—it’s about who we allow to represent us."
- First — Whitmore’s post surfaced on social media monitoring platforms used by local journalists.
- Second — Reform UK’s rapid condemnation signalled a shift from its usual hardline stance on immigration.
- Third — Walsall Council’s equalities team is reviewing whether the post breaches the Public Sector Equality Duty.
The controversy comes as the government prepares to introduce stricter rules on councillor conduct, following a series of high-profile disciplinary cases. Whitmore’s case may set a precedent for how far-right rhetoric is policed in local government.
- 📊 Reform UK’s polling shows 8% support in the West Midlands, up from 3% in 2022
- 🔍 Far-right discourse has increased 15% in local election campaigns since 2020
- ⚠️ Experts warn social media posts can be archived indefinitely, risking long-term reputational damage