Reform deputy leader dismisses claims of Farage’s past racism as new witnesses come forward

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized the deportation policies proposed by Nigel Farage's Reform UK, stating that such measures could fundamentally disrupt the fabric of British society. Starmer emphasized that the country may not endure as a tolerant and diverse nation if Farage gains power, highlighting the potential risks associated with extreme immigration policies.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is facing pressure to dismiss Ian Cooper, the leader of Staffordshire County Council, following accusations of racism linked to social media posts. Cooper allegedly made derogatory remarks about a black British lawyer and referred to London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a derogatory manner, prompting calls for his resignation from Labour MPs.

Nigel Farage received a £9 million donation this week, coinciding with his assertion that a merger between Reform UK and the Conservatives before the upcoming general election is 'inevitable.' This development was discussed in a podcast featuring John Harris and Kiran Stacey, who also addressed David Lammy's proposal to eliminate certain jury trials.

Reform UK has received a record donation from a former Conservative Party donor, marking a significant financial boost for the party as it prepares for upcoming electoral challenges. This donation comes at a time when the party is navigating internal scrutiny and public perception issues.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticized a potential election pact between the Conservatives and Nigel Farage's Reform UK, labeling it an 'alliance of austerity and failure.' This response follows reports that Farage anticipates an electoral deal with the Tories, reminiscent of his previous support for Boris Johnson's Brexit agenda.

Richard Tice, the deputy leader of Reform UK, stated in an interview with Sky News that discussions regarding an electoral pact with the Conservative Party are not taking place at any level. This assertion comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Reform UK's internal challenges and public perception.

George Cottrell, a close aide to Nigel Farage and a prominent figure in Reform UK, is alleged to have acted as a frontman for a betting syndicate led by billionaire Tony Bloom, according to a lawsuit filed in the high court. The documents claim that Cottrell transferred control of his gambling accounts to this syndicate, raising serious questions about his financial dealings and connections.

UK ministers are advancing plans to ban political donations made using cryptocurrency, citing concerns over the potential risks to electoral integrity due to the difficulty in verifying the sources of such funds. This crackdown is expected to impact Nigel Farage's Reform party, although the legislation may not be ready in time for the upcoming elections bill in the new year.