Dean Miller, a Reform UK councillor representing the St Paul's Cray ward in Bromley, is facing calls to step down after being secretly filmed making racist remarks about black children. The footage, captured by ITV's undercover team during the Makerfield by-election in June, shows Cllr Miller describing black children as "f****** animals" while discussing vandalism in Bromley. The recording is part of ITV's investigation titled Undercover – A Year In Reform.
In the video, Cllr Miller said: "Like all the ethnic f****** kids, they're not white, they're all f****** black, and they're like f****** animals." He added, "It's horrible to say it. I'm not racist." The footage also shows him claiming that King Charles is secretly a Muslim and suggesting someone should "cut the c***'s head off."
Councillor's response and status
Cllr Miller, who was elected in May, told ITV that he was heavily medicated at the time due to a chronic pain condition. He has since resigned from Reform UK but remains a councillor, now listed as an independent on Bromley Council's website.
The Bromley Conservatives, who currently control the council, have called for Cllr Miller to step down to allow residents of St Paul's Cray to elect a "community champion." A spokesperson for the Bromley Conservatives said: "It was deeply troubling to read about the comments made by Cllr Dean Miller. These comments are unacceptable, are unbecoming of someone holding public office, and do not represent the views of the people of Bromley. We call on Cllr Miller to step down so the people of St Paul's Cray have the chance to elect a community champion, focused on them and their priorities – they deserve nothing less."
Reform UK's response
The ITV investigation uncovered racist and sexist language from other Reform councillors and candidates across England and Wales during the past year. A spokesperson for Reform UK said investigations have been launched where members, activists and councillors have "clearly behaved inappropriately." The spokesperson said: "In some cases, there have been suspensions and due process must be followed. Reform UK has improved and prioritised its vetting procedures, but from time to time, a handful of individuals who do not share our values will initially make it through vetting."
Cllr Miller has been contacted for comment.
