'I hope Reform leaders take swift action': Outrage at party's fascist link

The Hyndburn branch of Reform UK has been condemned by opponents for being Facebook “friends” with a far-right, fascist figure.

Reform UK's Hyndburn Facebook page appears as “friends” on the social media site with New British Union leader, Gary Raikes.

Richard Oakley is the Reform UK candidate in Hyndburn for the upcoming General Election on Thursday, July 4, and said he has no links to fascism and is not the person in control of the Facebook page.

He said he has no knowledge of Gary Raikes' activities and no interest in them.

Mr Raikes’ Facebook cover photo features the text “forward with fascism” alongside an image of Oswald Mosley, a prominent figure in the 1930s and 40s who founded the British Union of Fascists in 1932.

Labour candidate for the constituency, Sarah Smith, believes Reform UK’s social media links are “deeply concerning”, while Conservative candidate Sara Britcliffe labelled it "despicable".

When contacted for comment, Mr Oakley said: “I have not followed anyone from my Facebook pages nor have I authorised anyone to follow him [Gary Raikes].”

Gary Raikes on the Reform UK - Hyndburn's Facebook friends list (Image: Facebook)

Reform UK – Hyndburn was still friends with Mr Raikes on the site as of 2pm on July 2.

Labour's Ms Smith said: “I was not aware of this; clearly it reveals the real threat that Reform faces to the country, I think it's deeply concerning.

“These connections once again highlight the important battle so that the truth of Reform is revealed ahead of the election on Thursday.

“We need to stand against the horrendous politics of division.”

Gary Raikes’ Facebook friends also include pages for a number of other Reform UK candidates, Martin Baker for Hull North and Cottingham, Jeffrey Leeks for Central Devon, and Hamish Haddow for Chipping Barnet.

A report on June 12, 2024, claimed one in 10 Reform UK election candidates are Facebook “friends” with Mr Raikes.

The only activity on Reform UK’s Hyndburn Facebook page was setting the party's logo as its profile picture.

Conservative candidate in Hyndburn, Sara Britcliffe, said: “The fact the Reform UK candidate is friends with fascists is despicable and shows the lack of credibility in their candidate.

“I note that the candidate has not been attending hustings or campaigning on the doors so people have not had the opportunity to meet who they are voting for.

“People in Hyndburn gave their lives in WW2 fighting fascists and this is a particular affront to them.

“I would urge anyone thinking of voting Reform in Hyndburn to think carefully about the type of person they are voting for.

“Our home deserves better than this and I hope Reform leaders take swift action.”

In a statement on July 2, Mr Oakley said: "I've read what's been reported about Gary Raikes and I've no interest in following him, ever. I do not know his views and have no wish to.

"I have instructed those who set up my Hyndburn page to unfollow Gary Raikes if someone on the page, which is shared, has followed him.

"I have no links to any far-right or fascist party or individual. I've never Googled Gary Raikes. I've no interest in doing so.

"I know that rather a lot of Reform UK prospective candidates were exposed as having unsavoury links and were removed.

"The vetting company hired to vet everyone left Reform UK with some Tory plants and others whose only interest is to see Reform UK smeared.

"On the page that was set up, I cannot see who the page follows.

"I can't tell who friended Mr Raikes, if anyone did. The reason my own page follows no one is to avoid the very smear you're telling me I'm caught up in."