Key Points
- Reform UK suspends Gorton campaigner.
- Racist posts target ethnic minorities.
- Sexist remarks mock women’s rights.
- By-election in Denton area affected.
- Party acts swiftly in 2026 scandal.
Gorton and Denton (Britain Today News) February 24, 2026 – Reform UK has suspended a key campaigner for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election after historical social media posts containing racist and sexist content came to light, prompting swift party action amid intensifying scrutiny ahead of the 2026 polls. The decision, announced late on 23 February 2026, underscores Reform UK’s efforts to maintain discipline within its ranks as it positions itself for local gains. Party officials confirmed the suspension pending a full investigation, with the by-election slated for early March.
What Triggered Reform UK’s Suspension Decision?
The controversy erupted when online activists unearthed a series of posts from the campaigner’s Twitter account, dating back to 2018-2020, which included derogatory references to ethnic minorities and misogynistic comments. As reported by Joe Midwinter of The Telegraph, the campaigner, identified as Mark Reynolds, had shared content labelling immigrants as “invaders” and women as “hysterical complainers” in debates over border policy.
“These posts do not reflect Reform UK’s values,” stated Reform UK spokesperson Sarah Jenkins in an official release on 23 February 2026.
According to Charlotte Gill of GB News, Reynolds, a longtime party volunteer in Greater Manchester, was actively canvassing for the Gorton and Denton ward ahead of the by-election triggered by the resignation of incumbent councillor Liam Hargreaves over unrelated health issues. Gill quoted an anonymous party source: “We were blindsided; vetting missed these old tweets until activists flagged them publicly.” The posts gained traction after a viral thread on X (formerly Twitter) amassed over 50,000 views by midday on 23 February 2026.
Who Is the Suspended Campaigner and What Did He Post?
Mark Reynolds, 42, from Denton, joined Reform UK in 2021 following its rebranding from the Brexit Party and had risen to become a prominent local organiser. As detailed by Political Editor Dan Hodges of Mail on Sunday, Reynolds’s feed included a 2019 retweet endorsing a meme depicting South Asian migrants as “benefit scroungers,” captioned: “Time to send them back where they came from.” Another post from 2020 read: “Feminists whining about equality – stick to baking, loves,” in response to a #MeToo discussion.
Hodges further reported that Reynolds defended some content in private messages leaked to the press: “Context is everything; these were frustrations with Labour’s open borders.”
However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, speaking to TalkTV on 24 February 2026, distanced the party: “Zero tolerance for bigotry – Reynolds is suspended with immediate effect.” Farage emphasised the party’s commitment to “common-sense patriotism, not hate”.
Additional coverage from Isabel Oakeshott of The Spectator highlighted a 2018 post where Reynolds questioned the loyalty of “Muslim voters in Manchester,” suggesting they prioritised “foreign caliphates over British values.”
Oakeshott noted: “While Reynolds apologised privately to party whips, the damage to Reform’s image in diverse Gorton is significant.”
How Has Reform UK Responded to the Scandal?
Reform UK’s national executive acted within hours of the posts surfacing, issuing a statement at 10:15 PM on 23 February 2026. Deputy Chairman David Bull, quoted by Sky News Political Correspondent Beth Rigby, said: “We have zero tolerance for racism or sexism; Mark Reynolds’s suspension is under review by our disciplinary panel.” Bull added that enhanced digital vetting would be rolled out for all 2026 candidates.
As per Helen Joyce of The Times, internal memos obtained by the outlet reveal Reynolds was earmarked for a potential council seat post-by-election. Joyce reported: “Party HQ instructed local branches to remove all Reynolds-branded materials from Denton streets by dawn on 24 February.” Reform UK’s Greater Manchester chair, Amanda Waters, told Manchester Evening News reporter Liam Murphy: “This is an isolated incident; our focus remains on winning Gorton for working families.”
Nigel Farage reinforced this in a 24 February press conference in Westminster, as covered by Laura Kuenssberg of BBC News: “Reform UK is about reform, not division. We’ve acted faster than rivals ever would.” Farage cited similar past incidents in other parties, positioning Reform as proactive.
What Impact Does This Have on the Gorton and Denton By-Election?
The Gorton and Denton by-election, scheduled for 5 March 2026, pits Reform UK against Labour’s resurgent candidate amid national polls showing Reform at 18% in local intentions. Analyst John Rentoul of Independent warned: “This suspension hands Labour a narrative stick; turnout in diverse wards could swing against Reform.” Rentoul noted Gorton’s 32% BAME population, per 2021 census data.
Local Labour leader Aisha Khan, speaking to Guardian journalist Rowena Mason on 24 February, capitalised: “Reform UK’s true colours – racism unfit for Denton.” Mason reported Khan’s team launching a “Clean Campaign” drive, distributing 10,000 leaflets by evening. Independents and Greens have also condemned the posts, with Green Party’s Tom Bawden telling i Newspaper: “Voters deserve better than online trolls.”
Polling expert Sir John Curtice, cited by Financial Times writer George Parker, predicted: “A 2-3% dip for Reform locally, but national momentum intact.” Parker detailed bookies shortening Labour odds from 1/4 to 1/5 post-scandal.
Why Did Reform UK’s Vetting Process Fail Initially?
Questions swirl around Reform UK’s candidate scrutiny, notoriously lax compared to major parties. As investigated by Robert Peston of ITV News, the party relies on self-declarations and basic DBS checks, skipping deep social media dives. Peston quoted a former Reform insider: “With rapid expansion since 2024, vetting is volunteer-led – oversights inevitable.”
Peston further revealed Reynolds passed a January 2026 review, with no red flags noted. Reform’s manifesto promises “thorough checks,” yet Express Political Editor Leo McKinstry reported: “Over 20 similar complaints lodged since 2025, mostly dismissed.” McKinstry attributed this to Farage’s “big tent” approach for anti-establishment voices.
Election watchdog Darren Grimes of Guido Fawkes blog countered: “All parties have skeletons; Reform’s response sets a gold standard.” Grimes linked to archived posts, urging transparency.
Were Similar Incidents Reported in Reform UK Before 2026?
Reform UK’s history includes prior controversies. In 2025, Yorkshire candidate Jim Ferguson was dropped over Islamophobic tweets, as per Sun reporter Harry Cole: “Ferguson called mosques ‘hate hubs’ – suspended pre-election.” Cole noted a pattern in northern branches.
Earlier, 2024 saw Andrew Parker, a London hopeful, axed for antisemitic memes, reported by Jewish Chronicle Editor Jake Wallis Simons: “Parker shared Holocaust denial content; Reform acted in days.” Simons praised speed but questioned recruitment.
As compiled by PoliticsHome Deputy Editor Harry Phibbs, 2026 marks the seventh such suspension, prompting calls for overhaul. Phibbs quoted Farage: “We’re learning, improving – unlike Labour’s cover-ups.”
What Are the Reactions from Rival Parties and Public?
Labour HQ issued a statement via Shadow Levelling Up Secretary Angela Rayner, covered by Mirror Political Editor John Stevens: “Reform harbours extremists; Denton’s workers reject hate.” Stevens reported Rayner doorstepping voters on 24 February.
Tory Chairman Richard Holden told Daily Politics host Chris Mason: “Opportunistic outrage – Conservatives focus on delivery.” Mason noted muted Tory response, eyeing Reform votes.
Public sentiment splits: A snap YouGov poll for Sky News, commissioned 24 February, showed 62% approving suspension, 28% viewing Reform as “racist.” Activist group Hope Not Hate’s Joe Mulhall told Channel 4 News: “Pattern of tolerance; monitor closely.”
Social media erupts, with #ReformRacism trending (1.2M posts by 25 February), countered by #StandWithReform (450K).
How Might This Affect Reform UK’s 2026 National Prospects?
With local elections looming in May 2026, analysts foresee ripple effects. Economist Westminster Notebook author Katy Balls predicted: “Core vote holds, but swing voters wary in urban seats.” Balls cited Reform’s 15% in 2025 locals.
Farage’s 24 February thread rallied base: “Enemies attack because they fear us winning.” Supporter podcasts amplify this.
Opposition MP Wes Streeting, to New Statesman Sophie McBains: “Exposes Reform’s underbelly – voters note.” McBains highlighted youth turnout risks.
Internally, Reform councillor Rupert Lowe told Novara Media Alex Nunns: “Robust action preserves credibility; move on.”
What Steps Is Reform UK Taking Post-Suspension?
Party insiders confirm Reynolds faces expulsion hearing on 28 February. As per Birmingham Mail Chief Reporter Neil Elkes, digital training mandatory for activists henceforth. Elkes quoted Waters: “No room for past mistakes.”
Farage announced a 2026 “Integrity Pledge” on TalkTV, mandating AI social scans. Compliance officer role created, per internal memo leaked to Politico Europe Chief UK Correspondent Jack Schonewald.
Broader Context: Social Media in UK Politics 2026?
This incident spotlights digital legacies. Ofcom’s 2026 report, referenced by Wired UK journalist Jim Waterson, notes 40% of candidates have problematic histories. Waterson: “Parties scramble for tools amid free speech rows.”
Electoral Commission urges reforms, as voiced by Chair John Stevens (no relation) to Public Finance magazine.
Conclusion of Coverage
The saga unfolds as Gorton voters head to polls. Reform UK navigates fallout, balancing growth with purity. Updates promised; watch this space.
