Nigel Farage has publicly confirmed that Jeremy Kyle, the controversial television host whose talk show was cancelled in 2019, is secretly conducting media training for Reform UK's political candidates. The revelation came during a press conference and rally in Newport, where Farage detailed how prospective candidates were rigorously questioned by Kyle during recent training sessions.
Controversial Figure Brought Into Political Fold
Jeremy Kyle became a household name through his confrontational daytime television program, which ITV permanently removed from broadcast schedules in 2019 following the tragic suicide of a guest named Steve Dymond. Although a subsequent coroner's investigation found no direct causal link between Dymond's death and his treatment on the show, the incident permanently tarnished Kyle's reputation. The presenter, who now hosts a breakfast program on Talk TV, was recorded during the hearing telling Dymond to "grow a pair" and declaring "I wouldn't trust you with a chocolate button."
Farage's Justification for Unorthodox Approach
At the Newport event, Farage explained his decision to involve Kyle in Reform UK's candidate preparation, citing lessons learned from his previous experiences with UKIP. "The lessons that I learned from that are the vetting and candidate selection are absolutely key," Farage stated emphatically. "All of these people will be standing, they've all been to London for media training or media scrutiny. Jeremy Kyle interviewing them all. Can you imagine? It was exactly what happened."
Farage elaborated that he brought in the television personality after recognizing the critical importance of thorough candidate vetting, having witnessed "wholly unsuitable" selections during previous election cycles. The Reform UK leader emphasized that candidates have been "road tested" and "put through their paces" through this unconventional training approach, which also included sessions with presenter Colin Brazier.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The announcement drew immediate criticism from opposing political parties. A Labour spokesman responded sharply: "Nigel Farage has repeatedly boasted about Reform's vetting. Yet a string of his candidates and politicians have been caught making racist, sexist and other appalling remarks. It's laughable that Reform thinks this is an acceptable standard for public office. No amount of media training will hide how unfit they are to serve the British public."
Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart added: "Whilst the jokes almost write themselves this is no laughing matter. Reform has asked the public to put their trust in a stream of candidates who would be wholly unsuitable for public office. From criminality to racism to bare-faced antisemitism, it is clear Reform has learnt this lesson far too late."
Welsh Leadership Appointments Announced
During the same rally, Farage made significant announcements regarding Reform UK's Welsh leadership structure. He revealed that Dan Thomas, a former Conservative council leader in London who defected to Reform last year, has been appointed as the party's new leader in Wales. Additionally, Farage unveiled James Evans as the latest Conservative defector joining Reform's ranks.
Evans, a former senior Welsh Conservative and current member of the Welsh Parliament, was recently sacked from his previous party over suspicions he intended to join Reform. These appointments prompted First Minister Eluned Morgan to characterize Reform Wales as "packed with Tories jumping ship," while Plaid Cymru dismissed Farage's party as "simply recycled, washed-out Tories."
Broader Political Context and Implications
The revelations about Kyle's involvement with Reform UK come amidst ongoing political realignments. In September, Farage disclosed that he had voted for Reform in the last election and hinted at potentially standing as a candidate himself. He explained his political shift by stating: "I was brought up [in a] Tory family, low taxation, all the things that you know about, strong military, strong police, all of that. I remember watching a Tory MP in the last election saying when Farage was talking about those things, 'oh my god, this is far-Right'. It's not far-Right – the Conservatives, I believe, moved Left."
Labour leader Keir Starmer responded to these developments by warning that every minute not spent addressing the cost of living crisis and combating what he called "the toxic division of Reform" represents wasted opportunity. The controversy surrounding Kyle's involvement highlights ongoing debates about candidate suitability, media preparation in politics, and the evolving landscape of British political parties as they approach upcoming local and Senedd elections in May.
