Reform UK's London Branch Sought 'Paper' Council Candidates With Immediate Resignation Option
An exclusive email from Reform UK's Hammersmith and Fulham branch has revealed the party approached residents to stand as 'paper' candidates in the upcoming council elections, advising them they could "resign immediately" if elected. The message, obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, describes paper candidates as individuals who stand for Reform UK in a ward but conduct no active campaigning.
Email Details Controversial Candidate Strategy
The email, authored by branch chair Dr Olivia Feng in early February, stated the aim is to maximize the party's total votes and send a "strong message" to the Labour-run local council. It specifically noted: "Many people do this purely to support the party and are even given assurances there's no real risk of being elected in safe Labour wards."
Under a section addressing what happens if a candidate wins but doesn't want to serve, the email reassured: "We won't place paper candidates in winnable seats—we specifically assign them to safe Labour wards where the chances of a Reform UK candidate winning are extremely low." It added that if elected unexpectedly, candidates have "full control" and UK election rules allow immediate resignation through written notice.
Local Opposition and Resident Reactions
Cllr Jose Afonso, Leader of the Conservative opposition group in Hammersmith and Fulham, strongly criticized Reform's approach. He accused the party of having "no policies" and relying on "cold-calling strangers" to field a full slate of candidates. "Reform UK in Hammersmith and Fulham are an unserious force who cannot hide their contempt for democracy," Afonso stated.
Several residents reported being contacted by the party. David Tarsh, who received multiple phone calls and emails despite never joining Reform, expressed mixed feelings. While sympathetic to some Reform positions on low-traffic neighborhoods and economic policies, Tarsh declined to stand due to what he described as the party's "racist tendencies."
"I believe this explains Reform's surge in the polls," Tarsh told reporters. "However, I just can't abide its racist tendencies and stance on immigration." He also criticized local traffic measures, citing concerns about the South Fulham Clean Air Neighbourhood survey and C9 cycle lane safety.
Party Response and Wider Context
A Reform UK spokesperson denied the email was authorized by party headquarters and stated they do not condone its contents. The spokesperson emphasized that paper candidates are "a longstanding and common part of our political system utilised by all political parties," but clarified that any Reform candidate is expected to represent their ward effectively if elected.
The spokesperson also denied that residents had been cold-called or emailed without consent, asserting that only paid-up members or those who explicitly consented to contact were approached. This contradicts reports from multiple residents who claim unsolicited contact.
This incident follows previous reports by The Guardian and other outlets about Reform UK's paper candidate strategy ahead of nomination deadlines. With Nigel Farage's party expected to secure numerous seats in the May 7 elections across the UK, the Hammersmith and Fulham approach highlights internal party dynamics and candidate recruitment challenges at the local level.
Political Implications and Electoral Consequences
The controversy emerges as Reform UK positions itself as an alternative to mainstream parties, capitalizing on voter dissatisfaction with traditional political options. Cllr Afonso framed the upcoming election as a choice between "a strong Conservative administration with a plan or a Labour-Green coalition of chaos," warning that "a vote for Reform is a vote to wreck the future of the borough."
If a paper candidate were elected and immediately resigned, the local authority would need to organize a by-election—a scenario the email acknowledges as possible but unlikely in safe Labour wards. This strategy raises questions about political representation and party integrity in local government elections.
