Breaking: Senior Reform UK figure at County Hall suspended by party
Whatsapp leaks lead to suspension of the council's lead member for finance and resources Cllr Tom Pickup
By Luke Beardsworth
A senior Reform UK councillor has been suspended by the party after being confirmed as the author of leaked messages where it was alleged the party is far more ‘hardline’ on immigration than they are showing to the public.
County Cllr Tom Pickup, who represents Padiham and Burnley West at Lancashire County Council, is lead member for finances and resources and was seen as a senior figure within the party locally, will now sit as an independent.
Pickup shared a number of messages in a far-right Whatsapp group which included stating: “Everyone in Reform is a lot more hardline on immigration than is typically stated publicly, to get a majority government we have to be tactical.”
He also said that he hoped for the return of ousted MP Rupert Lowe as Reform UK party leader in future.
His comments suggesting Reform UK are not revealing exactly how tough they will be on immigration come at the same time as party leader Nigel Farage is under pressure in the wake of allegations of racism in his school days.
Pickup also said: “I think a clear and detailed policy on immigration will be rolled out quite soon, but until now as the party have been growing it’s been good to use tact to get us there, previous more hardline parties have all failed by not doing this approach.”
Cllr Tom Pickup told The Lancashire Lead that the messages were posted several months apart and in a group that he was added to rather than actively joined.
When asked which ‘previous hardline parties’ he was referring to as coming before Reform UK, he said he wasn’t thinking of any in particular.
He said in a statement to us: “I’ve nothing but positive things to say about Reform, especially in Lancashire, and I intend to keep delivering for the county.
“I respect the decision Reform has taken and think it’s the right thing to do while an investigation takes place.”
The Lancashire Lead understands the Whatsapp group was started by far-right rapper and influencer MissusKent who appeared on stage at a Tommy Robinson rally in September.
Other messages posted in the group included strong anti-Islam sentiments, and talk of stockpiling weapons to commit domestic terrorism. Cllr Pickup said those are views he does not agree with and that he was not aware were being shared in the group.
He pointed to his work with cross-faith charity The Light Foundation as an example of this.
He added that he does not hope to see Rupert Lowe leading Reform UK in future.
But there are calls for a deeper investigation into Cllr Pickup’s conduct after his association with the far-right group.
County Cllr Samara Barnes, representing Rossendale West for Labour, told The Lancashire Lead: “I was deeply concerned to see Cllr Pickup’s involvement in a WhatsApp group that are clearly sharing extremely abhorrent opinions, including calling for a ‘mass Islam genocide’, suggesting procuring air rifles and other weapons and sharing photos of various swords and blades.
“It’s nothing short of domestic terrorism and I have insisted that a Prevent referral is made by Lancashire County Council.
“Cllr Pickup does not meet the high standards of behaviour expected of an elected members. He has let his constituents down incredibly. They deserve much better and whilst he may be suspended by his party.
“I think he should do the right thing and step down altogether.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: “We are aware that County Councillor Tom Pickup has been suspended from Reform UK pending investigation.
“Cllr Pickup remains a councillor, sitting as an independent.”
Reform showing their true colours. A horrible party with equally awful supporters.
This is what is wrong with these members. They do not know what it means to be part of a party and council. Very immature. What is said in house should not be spoken outside. This happens in business.