Reform councillor calls TV report 'vote interference'
ITV News filmed undercover with Reform councillors and candidates around the country.
By BBC News
A Reform councillor has accused ITV News of “election interference” after undercover reporters filmed the party’s campaign activity, including work in Chester.
The comments followed an ITV investigation into Reform UK candidates and councillors across England and Wales during local elections and four by-election campaigns in 2025 and 2026.
The investigation included an undercover reporter who spent time distributing leaflets with Reform activists before being encouraged to consider standing as a councillor.
In Chester, the reporter met Ian Frost, chairman of the local Reform branch. The meeting was described by Mr Frost as the “first stage” of the party’s vetting process.
The BBC reported that Mr Frost advised the reporter to delete social media posts showing support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson before applying to become a candidate.
The footage also featured former Reform candidate Alex Lomas, who said he had failed the party’s vetting process twice, including over posts shared from Mr Robinson. He claimed he was later asked to stand for the party.
Reform has criticised ITV’s methods, accusing the broadcaster of using “extreme methods of deception” and false information to obtain an undercover role at its headquarters.
The party said those filmed in the investigation were under investigation and had either resigned or been suspended.
In Portsmouth, Reform councillor George Madgwick separately claimed that two undercover journalists had campaigned alongside party candidates before local elections. He described the filming as potential “election interference”.
Mr Madgwick alleged the reporters had helped campaign in four seats during March and April, and suggested their involvement could have affected the results. No evidence has been provided that the journalists deliberately disrupted campaigning or changed any election outcome.
The ITV investigation recorded several Reform figures using racist, violent and sexist language. Reform said there was no room for racism in the party.