Reform UK candidate in Meriden apologises for controversial Royal Family comments

A local Reform UK candidate, has issued an apology for his choice of words after old social media posts in which he compared the Royal Family to 'Nazis' were unearthed by a national newspaper. Malcolm Sedgley, the party's representative for Meriden and Solihull East admitted that his language was "clumsy" and that he could have articulated his views in a different manner.

The Daily Mail revealed that Mr Sedgley stated in 2019: "Just because the Royal Family believe they have an almost divine right to rule because of their superior genetics, and that the plebs should swear allegiance to them and show deference at every opportunity, doesn't make them Nazis. Oh... hang on."

The paper also reported another post from 2017 where the 57 year old shared a link to a BBC article titled 'Tax haven secrets of the ultra-rich exposed', featuring a picture of the late Queen.

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Mr Sedgley was quoted as saying: "An OAP on benefits, heading an extended family with barely a job between them, manages to save a few quid and sneak it away for a rainy day. What's wrong with that?"

When contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the 2019 post, Mr Sedgley said: "On the first item, I do indeed apologise for my use of language. It was an attempt to point out, in a slightly clumsy way, that the head of state should not be selected based on bloodlines in the 21st century," reports Birmingham Live.

The political figure commented, "Personally, I'm not much of a monarchist. However, the majority of the population are and, as I'm a democrat, I have no problem with the head of state being chosen in this way if that is what the people want."

When questioned about his 2017 social media activity, Mr Sedgley explained: "I was responding to a BBC item on how many of the wealthiest in society pay relatively little tax, certainly compared to ordinary people - in terms of percentage of all income generated - thanks to numerous tax loopholes. The article used the monarch as an example. Although it could have been expressed differently, I stand by the sentiments expressed."

Reform UK has been approached for a statement regarding Mr Sedgley's online remarks. The names of the individuals contesting the Meriden and Solihull East seats have been announced. They are:

• Sarah Alan - Labour

• Saqib Bhatti - Conservative

• Malcolm Sedgley - Reform UK

• Shesh Sheshabhatter - Green

• Sunny Virk - Liberal Democrats

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