Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, has robustly denied allegations of racist and antisemitic bullying during his school years, labelling the accusations as "complete, made up fantasies" driven by political opponents.
Farage Stands Firm Amidst Growing Controversy
At a press conference in central London on Wednesday, Farage was directly asked why he had not apologised to former schoolmates who have accused him of misconduct. His response was unequivocal. "I don't apologise for things that are complete, made up fantasies," he stated, with the event being held to announce Laila Cunningham as the party's candidate for London mayor in 2028.
The controversy stems from an investigation by the Guardian, which spoke to more than 30 individuals about Farage's time at the prestigious Dulwich College. Among the most serious claims came from Peter Ettedgui, a 61-year-old award-winning director, who recalled Farage repeatedly growling "Hitler was right" or "Gas them" at him when they were pupils.
Accusations of Political Motivation
Farage, who has previously denied directly targeting anyone with racist abuse, insisted the claims were fabricated. "Some of what is out there is just absolute nonsense made by people with very obvious, if you look, political motivation," he told reporters. His remarks were met with loud booing from Reform party members directed at the ITV journalist who posed the question.
The Reform leader's stance puts him at odds with a group of 26 of his school contemporaries, who have signed a letter urging him to apologise. Their call was supported last month by a former Dulwich teacher, who stated simply: "Of course he abused pupils."
Reform's London Campaign and Internal Tensions
The London Bridge event also highlighted other challenges for the party. Farage was questioned about remarks made by another Reform mayoral candidate, Chris Parry, who suggested London-born MP David Lammy should "go home" to the Caribbean. Farage described Parry's comments as "over the top" and said he should apologise for them, while also praising Parry's patriotic service as a rear admiral.
Meanwhile, the party's new London mayoral candidate, Laila Cunningham, addressed questions about diversity. The Muslim former CPS prosecutor argued the problem in parts of London was not diversity itself, but that "immigration is too much, and when it's too many, they dominate." She added that this made some long-term residents feel their area was no longer recognisably London.
As the party looks ahead to the May local elections, the controversy over its leader's past continues to cast a shadow, raising questions about accountability and the political battleground of personal history.
