Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has criticised the wording of controversial remarks made by his MP, Sarah Pochin, but has stopped short of calling them racist, prompting fierce political backlash.
At a press conference in London on Monday, Farage described Pochin’s comments about ethnic representation in advertising as “ugly” and “badly worded”, but insisted: “If I thought that the intention behind it was racist, I would have taken a lot more action than I have.”
Reform UK Faces Backlash Over Race Row Comments
The remarks, made during a TalkTV appearance over the weekend, came in response to a viewer expressing concern about the racial diversity in advertising. Pochin, MP for Runcorn and Helsby, agreed with the sentiment, stating: “It drives me mad when I see adverts full of Black people, full of Asian people.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer wasted no time in branding the comments: “It’s shocking racism, and it’s the sort of thing that will tear our country apart, and it tells you everything about Reform.”
He went on to challenge Farage directly, saying the Reform leader must face scrutiny over whether he condones the MP’s comments:
“Either he doesn’t consider it racist, which in my view is shocking in itself, or he does think it’s racist and he’s shown absolutely no leadership.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp echoed the condemnation during a discussion with LBC: “She should absolutely not have said that. It was completely wrong… I think the way she put it was racist, she shouldn’t have said it, and it’s right she’s apologised.”
Farage Blames ‘DEI Madness’ for Public Tensions
Farage sought to contextualise the remarks within what he referred to as “DEI madness”, a criticism of diversity, equity and inclusion policies. He maintained that while the way Pochin expressed herself was problematic, her intentions were not grounded in racism.
Still, mounting pressure came from multiple fronts. Labour issued a formal letter to Farage demanding clarity on whether Pochin’s views are representative of Reform UK values.
Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have called for a censure motion in Parliament to formally condemn her statements.
Pochin has since clarified her position, explaining on TalkTV: “It doesn’t reflect our society and I feel that your average white person, average white family is … not represented anymore.”
Grooming Gangs Scandal Ignites Parallel Debate
While fending off criticism over Pochin, Farage also took the opportunity to raise concerns about the government’s handling of the grooming gangs inquiry.
He called on Parliament to launch its own investigation into the long-running scandal, suggesting that a joint Commons and Lords commission could lead to a breakthrough.
Sitting beside him was Ellie-Ann Reynolds, a former panel member of the national inquiry, who resigned last week over what she described as a toxic internal culture.
“It was very gaslighting and very manipulative. We all went on [the panel] to do the right thing… to seek justice, to find the truth, and not be silenced anymore,” she said.
Reynolds was one of five women who quit the victims’ liaison panel, with the inquiry further thrown into chaos by the withdrawal of two shortlisted chairs.
Farage vowed to speak directly with Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle and the Home Affairs Select Committee in hopes of establishing a subcommittee to independently investigate the abuse and its decades-long cover-up.
What This Means for Reform UK
This latest controversy has laid bare internal tensions within Reform UK. Farage’s reluctance to punish Pochin may satisfy his base, but it’s also energised critics who accuse the party of tolerating dog-whistle rhetoric.
With a general election looming and immigration expected to be a major issue, Reform’s messaging will face ever-greater scrutiny.
Whether Farage can walk the tightrope between populist provocation and political respectability remains to be seen. And as Westminster sharpens its knives, one thing is clear: this row is far from over.
