Reform UK Councillors Linked to Far-Right Patriot Platform

Anti-fascism campaigners from Hope Not Hate identified at least five Reform UK councillors as members of the Northeast Patriots Facebook group. This group is linked to the Patriot Platform, a far-right vigilante organization founded by Daniel Thomas that has been associated with masked men blockading ports in Dover and Portsmouth.

The revelations have exposed internal divisions within Reform UK. While party leader Nigel Farage previously described the activities of the Patriot Platform as "disgusting," "wrong," and "horrible," home affairs spokesperson Zia Yusuf recently met with Daniel Thomas. Yusuf challenged the characterization of the group as "thugs," a term used by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.

Following inquiries from the Guardian, two of the identified councillors left the Facebook group, and a third stated he is no longer a member. Councillor James Wright defended his membership, claiming he used the group to monitor local political discussions and denying that he endorsed any unlawful activity.