Nigel Farage is facing mounting pressure to remove a Reform UK parliamentary candidate after he repeated controversial and widely condemned remarks about Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
Candidate Doubles Down on Controversial Comments
The row centres on Chris Parry, a former Royal Navy rear admiral standing for Reform UK. Parry has been criticised for suggesting David Lammy should "go home" to the Caribbean, questioning his "loyalties".
He also described the city of Birmingham as a "failed colony" and made derogatory comments about female colleagues and the prospect of future Muslim representation in Parliament. Despite widespread condemnation, Parry has stood by his remarks.
Farage's Stance and Political Fallout
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has so far stood by his candidate, refusing to sack him. This inaction has prompted a strong response from Labour Party chair Anna Turley, who has called not only for Parry's removal but also for Farage to apologise for his failure to act.
David Lammy has personally challenged Farage, urging him to "clean up his party and stamp out this 1950s-style hate". The controversy comes shortly after Reform UK removed a councillor, Ian Cooper, for making similar comments about "foreign nationals" in Parliament, raising questions about consistency within the party.
A Pattern of Controversy for Reform UK
This incident is not isolated for Reform UK, highlighting ongoing tensions within the party regarding the language used by some of its representatives. The situation places significant pressure on Nigel Farage's leadership as he attempts to position Reform UK as a major political force.
The public and political opponents are now watching closely to see if Farage will take decisive action against Chris Parry or continue to defend him, with the story developing amid the broader political landscape.
