The Herne Bay and Sandwich branch of Reform UK has issued an apology for an 'administrative oversight' after an AI-generated picture of road signs was posted on its Facebook page. The post featured before-and-after photos purportedly showing part of a village clean-up in Sarre, Kent, but the second image contained multiple inconsistencies with the first, including an extra fence slat, a resurfaced footpath, and the same car present in both photos.
Local member unaware of AI image
A Reform party member who participated in the real 'Clean Up Britain Day' initiative in Sarre stated that he spent an hour and a half cleaning and trimming foliage. He expressed frustration, saying, 'It's gone f****** nuts. A simple job has turned into a political football. I swear it's only because it is Reform.' He added that he had no involvement with the AI-generated image.
Criticism from local councillor
Canterbury City Councillor Mike Sole criticised the Facebook post, calling it 'a lesson in how not to use AI.' He pointed out the retarmacked pavement and unchanged clouds, remarking, 'That's either super-human work in the blink of an eye, or Reform are not telling the truth…'
Branch statement and apology
A statement posted on the branch's Facebook page read: 'The incorrect image previously posted to this Facebook page was selected and uploaded in error due to an administrative oversight. This local Facebook page is managed entirely by unpaid volunteers, independent of Reform UK HQ and its official PR team. While the image used was incorrect, the community cleanup work at the entrance to Sarre village did take place as described. We sincerely apologise for this mistake and for any confusion or misunderstanding it may have caused.'
Context of Farage's resignation
This incident comes amid broader controversies surrounding Reform UK. Yesterday, party leader Nigel Farage resigned as MP for Clacton-on-Sea to force a by-election, aiming to run again for his seat and 'stick two fingers up to the entire establishment.' The announcement was made in light of questions over Reform UK's finances, including undisclosed payments from aristocrat George Cottrell, who has served time in a US prison for wire fraud. Farage is also accused of breaking parliamentary rules by failing to declare funding from Cottrell in the year before he was elected MP. Additionally, the Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is investigating allegations that Farage did not properly declare a 'gift' of £5 million from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne in 2024.
Political reactions
Labour, the Liberal Democrats, the Green Party, and the Conservatives have declined to nominate a candidate for the by-election. Prime Minister Keir Starmer labelled the move as a 'desperate stunt' by a man 'up to his neck in sleaze.' Count Binface, however, has said he is willing to take on Farage in the proposed by-election. Questions remain as to whether Farage can resign until the commissioner's investigation is complete.
