Reform UK Launches Investigation Into Candidate's Alleged Anti-NHS Social Media Posts
Reform UK has initiated a formal investigation into allegations concerning inflammatory social media posts linked to one of their Westminster candidates. James Bembridge, who is standing for election in the West End ward during the upcoming May 7 Local Elections, faces scrutiny over posts that reportedly express extreme hostility toward the National Health Service and contain derogatory comments about nurses.
Controversial Posts Surface From Alleged Candidate Account
According to screenshots circulating online, an X account allegedly connected to Mr. Bembridge published multiple posts criticizing the NHS. In November 2020, one post declared a "visceral hatred" for the healthcare system, stating: "The rancour that the pro-NHS folk have against me will never match the visceral hatred that I have for the NHS. I don't want reform - I want to see it torn down to the ground."
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2021, another post from the same account targeted NHS nurses, suggesting they were "eating food banks out of business." The post read: "I'm not sure why applause is so readily given to NHS nurses who claim to be driven to using food banks when, looking at them, they are presumably eating them out of business."
Additional Controversial Content Emerges
Further screenshots shared by the X account Reform Party UK Exposed on Monday reveal additional posts criticizing the NHS, though some are undated. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has been unable to verify the original posts, but the account linked to Mr. Bembridge recently reshared a post by Sean Walsh, co-editor of Country Squire magazine, referencing these allegations.
Mr. Walsh commented: "The suggestion that @TheBembridge is a morally compromised bounder is untrue. He is far worse than that. He wouldn't be my friend otherwise." Mr. Bembridge serves as deputy editor of Country Squire, a publication describing itself as a platform for voices from rural Britain.
In December 2025, the same account posted an image appearing to mock bombing in Gaza, featuring a box of Lego bricks labeled "Gaza" with the caption "My Christmas present" accompanied by a love-heart eye emoji.
Reform UK Responds to Allegations
Reform UK has confirmed it is investigating the allegations. The party has not yet received a response from Mr. Bembridge regarding requests for comment from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. This investigation comes despite Reform UK's pledge during the June 2024 general elections to allocate an additional £17 billion to the NHS, advocating for a new funding model and increased private sector involvement to alleviate pressure on the healthcare system.
The outcome of this investigation could significantly impact Mr. Bembridge's candidacy in the West End ward, where three seats are contested. The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between political rhetoric and public sentiment toward the NHS, particularly following the pandemic.
