Labour Condemns Dismissal of Racism Claims Against Farage as ‘Deplorable’
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Labour has sharply criticized Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, for dismissing allegations of racist and antisemitic behavior by Nigel Farage during his school years as “made-up twaddle.” The condemnation follows a contentious interview on the Today programme where Tice accused those recounting the incidents of political bias and outright lying.
Anna Turley, Labour’s chair, issued a statement emphasizing the courage of individuals who came forward with their accounts. “It took serious courage for the victims of Nigel Farage’s alleged racism to come forward and tell their story,” she stated. “It’s utterly deplorable that Richard Tice has dismissed this and suggested they are lying, despite Farage himself refusing to offer a categorical denial and saying he couldn’t remember everything that happened at school.”
Turley called for an apology from both Farage and Tice, asserting that their actions demonstrate a willingness to “drag our politics to a dark place” and a lack of suitability for high office.
The controversy centers around claims that Farage engaged in racist and antisemitic remarks while a teenager at Dulwich College. During the Today programme interview, host Emma Barnett pressed Tice on specific allegations, including a claim that Farage told a Jewish pupil “Hitler was right.” Tice vehemently denied the claims, stating, “I can’t believe anybody would have said that,” and accusing the accusers of having a “politically biased motive.” He further asserted, “This is made-up nonsense by someone who’s got a political axe to grind.”
Barnett pointed out that Peter Ettedgui, the former pupil who made the “Hitler was right” allegation, had previously spoken about the incident years ago. Tice doubled down, accusing Ettedgui of lying and claiming that voters are not swayed by what he termed a “leftwing, anti-Nigel narrative.”
Mayoral Election Delays Spark Controversy
The debate surrounding Farage’s past unfolded alongside discussion of the government’s decision to postpone mayoral elections in four areas of England – Greater Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, Hampshire and the Solent, and Sussex and Brighton – until May 2028. Tice described the decision as “dictatorial.”
Former Labour minister Jim McMahon accused the government of ignoring a “moral obligation” to proceed with the elections, stating that local leaders had prepared in good faith. Miatta Fahnbulleh, the local government minister, defended the delay, explaining that it was necessary to allow time for the establishment of new strategic authorities and unitary councils.
Reform UK Receives Record Donation
In a separate development, Reform UK announced a record £9 million donation from Christopher Harborne, a British businessman and crypto investor. This marks the largest single donation ever received by a political party from a living person. Harborne has previously donated to the Conservative party and provided financial support to Boris Johnson after his departure as Prime Minister. The donation brings Reform UK’s total fundraising in the third quarter of 2025 to £10.5 million, surpassing the Conservatives’ £7 million, Labour’s £2.5 million, and the Liberal Democrats’ £2 million.
Other Developments
Wes Streeting, the health secretary, has ordered a clinical review of mental health diagnoses amid a surge in benefit claims, according to reports. The Home Office is also launching a consultation on expanding the use of facial recognition technology by police, despite concerns raised by the Equality and Human Rights Commission regarding its legality and potential impact on civil liberties. Additionally, the final report into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died after exposure to the Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury, is set to be published today, with Security Minister Dan Jarvis expected to address Parliament. Finally, Keir Starmer is scheduled to meet with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier today.
