Reform UK has suspended a prominent figure in their Gorton and Denton by-election campaign after he was condemned for reportedly using racist and misogynistic language in social media posts.
Adam Mitula, said to be a prominent figure in Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin’s campaign, reportedly claimed in social media posts that the Holocaust death toll had been exaggerated and that he would “never touch a Jewish woman”.
He also reportedly claimed that 60 per cent to 70 per cent of transgender people are paedophiles in posts on his now-deleted X account.
Mr Mitula confirmed he had been suspended by the party pending investigation, but claimed the social media remarks which led to it were “taken out of context”.
He said: “I’m confirming my suspension as a Reform member pending investigation. The comments in question were taken out of context, and actually defended the Jewish community.
“My solicitor is contacting anyone spreading false info that damages my reputation.”
Reform UK said it does not comment on its internal disciplinary processes.
After Mr Mitula’s comments were first reported, Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell wrote to Matt Goodwin calling for him to distance himself from the campaigner.
She said that although Mr Goodwin may not have been aware of the comments “when they offered to help your campaign, but you are aware of it now”.
“You can ensure that they are not part of your campaign in the future, make clear that you disagree with their vile views, and state clearly that racism and conspiracy like this is not welcome in Reform and not compatible with campaigning for you,” she wrote
“If you do not now distance yourself from the views of these supporters and take action to remove them from your campaign, people will conclude that you and Reform UK are happy to be associated with them.”
Mr Goodwin is running as Reform UK’s candidate in this week’s crunch election, as the party hopes to win the Labour seat.
The ex-academic – who has been backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson – has called the by-election a “referendum on Keir Starmer”, and pledged to “demand Britain fixes its borders”, and “clamps down on crime” if elected.
He has hit the headlines after The Independent revealed he had called for women and young girls to be given a “biological reality” check as he warned of an impending “fertility crisis”.
This publication also revealed that he had previously suggested people who don’t have children should be taxed extra as punishment and warned that “many women in Britain are having children much too late in life”.
Reform MP claims Britain suffering from ‘unregulated sexual economy’
Legal war brewing between two Chloe’s Cookies brands
Greens leader Polanski hits back at ‘vile’ Labour
MP suggests Epstein may have influenced Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy
Reform’s pension plan could backfire and mean higher council tax bills, experts warn
Reform councillor liked Facebook post calling on Labour MP to be shot
