Reform UK’s Hammersmith and Fulham branch has reached out to local residents, inviting them to stand as ‚paper‘ candidates in the forthcoming council elections, with the option to resign immediately if elected. An email detailing this strategy, which was reviewed by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), defined a paper candidate as someone who represents Reform UK in a ward without engaging in active campaigning.
The email emphasized that the purpose of these candidates is to enhance the party’s overall vote count and convey a strong message to the Labour-controlled local council. Jose Afonso, the leader of the Conservative opposition group in Hammersmith and Fulham, criticized Reform UK for lacking substantive policies and relying on unsolicited outreach to fill their candidate slate.
A spokesperson for Reform UK clarified that the email in question was not sanctioned by the party’s headquarters and does not reflect its official stance. They denied claims that residents were contacted without consent, stating that only paid members or those who had explicitly agreed to be contacted were approached.
Concerns Over Candidate Recruitment
Reports of Reform UK’s solicitation of paper candidates have surfaced in various media outlets, including The Guardian, which highlighted instances where individuals, including journalists, were asked to run for office ahead of the April 9 deadline. Several residents in Hammersmith and Fulham have reported receiving phone calls and emails from the party.
One resident, David Tarsh, mentioned he received multiple calls and emails despite never having joined Reform UK. While he expressed some agreement with the party’s views on low-traffic neighborhoods (LTNs), he ultimately declined to run due to concerns about what he described as the party’s ‚racist tendencies.‘
„I am sympathetic to Reform’s stance on LTNs, bike lanes, and anti-motoring measures, as well as its economic position on Net Zero. However, I cannot support its racist tendencies and stance on immigration,“ Tarsh stated.
Local Council Issues and Public Sentiment
Tarsh criticized the local council’s handling of the South Fulham Clean Air Neighbourhood (CAN) survey, claiming it violated several industry standards. He noted that the council had previously stated that the majority of South Fulham residents had expressed their views on the CAN, requesting the local authority to address congestion and pollution.
He also pointed to the C9 cycle lane in Hammersmith, which was made permanent in 2023, arguing that it has made the area significantly more dangerous. Tarsh accused Transport for London (TfL) of employing flawed traffic modeling and acting deceptively regarding the Holland Park roundabout project.
„Neither the Tories nor the Lib Dems are free of blame either. Boris was responsible for dreadful traffic measures during the pandemic, and the Lib Dems are accountable for the poor traffic schemes in Oxford. This context explains why voters feel disenfranchised by mainstream parties and seek an alternative that does not mislead them,“ he added.
Email Details and Candidate Strategy
The email from Dr. Olivia Feng, chair of Reform’s Hammersmith and Fulham branch, outlined the intention behind recruiting paper candidates. It stated that many individuals participate solely to support the party and are assured that there is minimal risk of being elected in safe Labour wards.
Sent in early February, the email indicated that candidates would not be required to engage in door-to-door campaigning, distribute leaflets, or deliver speeches. It also mentioned that if vetted, candidates would be contacted to complete a nomination form.
Under a section addressing what would happen if a candidate unexpectedly wins but does not wish to serve, the email reassured recipients that paper candidates would not be placed in competitive seats. Instead, they would be assigned to safe Labour wards where the likelihood of winning is extremely low without active campaigning. The email stated, „If the unexpected happens and you are elected, you have full control over your next steps. UK election rules allow you to resign immediately by submitting a simple written notice to the council’s Proper Officer.“ This would trigger a by-election organized by the local authority.
Tarsh remarked that the email suggested Reform UK has „more money than support,“ while Cllr Afonso characterized the party as an unserious contender that shows disdain for democratic processes. He stated, „Reform UK in Hammersmith and Fulham are an unserious force who cannot hide their contempt for democracy. They stand for nothing locally, have no policies, and are so desperate they can’t even get a full slate of candidates without cold-calling strangers.“
“On May 7, voters in Hammersmith and Fulham will have the choice between a strong Conservative administration with a plan or a Labour-Green coalition of chaos wrecking our borough. A vote for Reform is a vote to wreck the future of the borough,” Afonso asserted.
Official Response from Reform UK
A spokesperson for Reform UK reiterated that the email was unauthorized and not reflective of the party’s official position. They acknowledged that while paper candidates are a common practice across political parties, any Reform candidate is expected to represent their ward effectively if elected.
To stay updated on significant stories from London, residents can subscribe to MyLondon’s daily newsletter for the latest news and insights.
Bildquelle: Foto von Jay Alexander auf Unsplash
