Two Reform UK candidates in Bexley have come under fire for their controversial social media posts, which critics describe as 'spewing hate online and sharing wild conspiracy theories.' The candidates, Lynn Smith and Pamela Andrews, are standing in local council elections next month.
Islamophobic Posts by Lynn Smith
Lynn Smith, standing in Blackfen & Lamorbey, previously served as a UKIP councillor in Bexley from 2014 to 2018. On X (formerly Twitter), she posted in February 2024: 'I don't think we should have the word Islamaphobia. Wherever I look abroad at Islamic countries as a woman I am fearful for them, & am fearful of the growth of Islam here.' In another post from April 2020, she wrote: 'Has the NHS become the new Islam, criticise at your own risk?' She also retweeted a graphic depicting a Muslim woman with text accusing her of hating various groups and complaining about Islamophobia.
On Facebook in March 2020, Smith posted a photo of herself in a scarf, joking: 'Thinking of becoming a Muslim just as a reason to hide my pelican neck. Then again I couldn't give up alcohol.'
Reform UK Chair's Defense
Eamonn Delaney, chair of Reform UK Bexley, said he did not condone the Islam posts but described Smith as 'an advocate of free speech' who believes 'everything had a right to be criticised.' He added: 'She's not picking on anything in particular. Not any religion, not any person, not any organisation.' Delaney dismissed the scarf post as 'light-hearted, jokey' and self-deprecating.
Climate Change Denial by Pamela Andrews
Pamela Andrews, a Reform candidate in Falconwood & Welling, has shared videos on Facebook claiming human activities are not the main driver of climate change. She called climate change a 'total monetised scam' and said the World Economic Forum has 'weaponised' the concept for 'ultimate control.' She also shared content suggesting a secret society controls the world.
Delaney denied Andrews is a conspiracy theorist, stating: 'Everything she comments on, Pamela has researched. She looks at all the data, all sides of the argument and stands firmly with what she's put in those posts.'
Local MP Calls for Action
Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Louie French condemned the posts as 'truly shocking.' He said: 'Reform UK promised their candidates would be vetted. Instead, they've selected candidates who are spewing hate online and sharing wild conspiracy theories. Bexley deserves community-minded councillors with a plan for local services, not more divisive and shouty politics that gets nothing done. I urge Reform UK to do the right thing and disown these candidates now.'
Reform UK has not yet responded to the criticism.
