Georgie David, who was running as a candidate for West Ham and Beckton, is the second person to leave the Reform UK party amidst accusations of racism within its ranks.
In a statement released by the Conservatives, she clarified that she doesn't believe the party and its top leaders are racist, but she does believe that many of the candidates running to represent the party hold racist views.
She announced her decision to leave the Reform Party and resign as their candidate for West Ham and Beckton immediately. She clarified that she believes the party's senior leadership is not racist. However, she stated that because she perceives the majority of the party's candidates to be racist, misogynistic, and intolerant, she no longer wants to be associated with people who hold such contrasting views to her own principles.
While Ms. David acknowledged that she didn't believe the issues extended to the party leadership, she expressed considerable frustration and disappointment with their failure to address the issue effectively.
She further commented, "Instead of addressing the issue directly, they have tried to ignore it or deflect blame." Consequently, she has paused her campaign with Reform and is now supporting the Conservative Party. She urged others who share her views to consider doing the same.
Two days ago, Reform's candidate in Erewash also switched to the Conservatives due to concerns about racism.
Liam Booth-Isherwood stated that he had become increasingly disappointed with the party's conduct and criticized leader Mr. Farage for not addressing the issue seriously.
The defections come after the controversy involving Reform canvasser Andrew Parker, who was recorded making a racist comment about the prime minister during an undercover investigation by Channel 4.
Reform UK has had to remove several election candidates due to racist comments they made.
Mr. Farage has declined to apologize, stating that the individuals responsible for the problematic behavior have been removed from his party. Regarding the canvasser, he asserted that the person was a "paid actor" aiming to discredit his campaign intentionally—a claim disputed by both Channel 4 and Mr. Parker himself.
In the video, Mr. Parker was recorded using a racial slur to describe the prime minister, criticizing Islam as a "disgusting cult," and suggesting that the army should "just shoot" migrants crossing the Channel.
Another canvasser referred to the Pride flag as "degenerate" and insinuated that members of the LGBT community are involved in paedophilia.
Reform UK also revoked support from several candidates over the weekend due to racist comments. One candidate reportedly commented that black people should "stop being lazy" and cease behaving "like savages."
On Sunday, Mr. Farage denied that he was encouraging prejudice, stating on Sky News that he wants nothing to do with anyone who holds racist beliefs.
When asked why his party seems to attract racists and extremists, the former UKIP leader explained that after he "destroyed" the far-right BNP, some people with those views, now without a political home, tend to "gravitate towards us."
SOURCE: Sky News