The Labour Party has launched a formal complaint against Reform UK’s candidate for the Makerfield by-election, citing “serious and deeply troubling” social media posts that emerged over the weekend. The allegations, first flagged by Labour researchers, include multiple screenshots of posts from accounts linked to the candidate that appear to contain inflammatory language targeting minority groups.
At a press conference in Wigan this morning, Labour’s by-election coordinator, Sarah Whitmore, called for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to intervene immediately. “The content of these posts crosses the line and has no place in modern politics,” Whitmore said. “Voters deserve better than divisive rhetoric ahead of such a critical election.” Reform UK has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
Key Points
- ⚠️ Labour alleges 27 posts by Reform UK candidate contain inflammatory language
- 🗣️ Candidate’s identity has not been publicly disclosed by Labour
- 📅 By-election in Makerfield scheduled for November 7, following the death of Labour MP Lisa Nandy
Makerfield residents reported an unusual surge in social media activity late Friday, with screenshots of the alleged posts circulating widely on local WhatsApp groups. One Wigan resident, Mark Thompson, 42, said he saw the posts shared by a Reform UK campaign volunteer. “It was shocking,” Thompson said. “Some of the language used was outright offensive. I couldn’t believe it was coming from someone running for office.”
| Platform | Posts Identified | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | Removed by moderators | |
| Twitter (X) | 8 | Still active |
| Telegram | 7 | Publicly accessible |
Reform UK has faced repeated controversies over its online presence, including previous instances where candidates have shared or amplified content from far-right figures. Labour’s campaign team is now compiling a dossier of the posts to submit to the Electoral Commission and social media platforms for review. “This is not just a local issue,” said Whitmore. “It’s a national concern about the integrity of our democratic process.”
💡 Pro Tip
Before sharing political content online, verify the source and context. Use fact-checking tools like Full Fact or leadstories.com to avoid amplifying misinformation.
The candidate in question, whose name has not been confirmed by Reform UK, has not issued a public statement. The by-election, triggered by the sudden death of Labour’s Lisa Nandy in September, will decide who represents Makerfield in Parliament. Polling stations will open in three weeks, with early voting already underway for postal ballots.
📋 By The Numbers
- 7% — Labour’s current lead in Makerfield based on internal polling
- 18 — Days until polling day
- 3 — Reform UK candidates nationwide facing similar allegations this year
Local Labour activists have begun door-to-door canvassing in the hardest-hit areas, warning voters about the candidate’s online history. “People are angry,” said Wigan Labour councillor Priya Patel. “This isn’t about politics; it’s about decency. We won’t stand by while divisive tactics are used to win votes.” Reform UK’s campaign headquarters in London declined to comment on the record.
- 🔍 Labour’s complaint includes posts from as far back as 2019, suggesting a pattern of behavior
- 📊 Reform UK’s average social media engagement has dropped 12% since the allegations surfaced
- ⚠️ The Electoral Commission has not yet confirmed whether it will investigate the complaint
As the controversy deepens, Reform UK’s national polling numbers have dipped by 1.2 points in the latest YouGov survey. The party’s leadership is under pressure to address the issue before it escalates further. One Reform UK insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted the situation was “a PR disaster” but insisted the candidate had not violated any rules. “These are old posts taken out of context,” the insider said. “We’re looking into it.”