Nigel Farage's Interactions with Female Journalists Draw Criticism Amid Reform UK Policy Controversies
Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, has come under intense scrutiny following a series of incidents where he appeared to patronize female journalists during press engagements. This behavior has ignited a broader debate about whether Farage and his party have a significant problem with women, particularly in light of recent policy announcements and personnel appointments.
Incidents with Journalists Spark Outrage
During a recent event, Farage told Financial Times journalist Anna Gross that she should "write some silly story ... and we won't bother to read it." This remark was met with laughter and applause from Reform supporters present, but it provoked widespread anger among political journalists across the spectrum. When a Guardian reporter later suggested Farage had been rude and upset the journalist, Farage simply responded, "Good."
This is not an isolated incident. In October, when former BBC Radio 4 Today presenter Mishal Husain questioned him about potential consequences of shooting down Russian planes, Farage replied, "Listen love, you're trying ever so hard." A month later, he accused Telegraph journalist Camilla Tominey of playing a "silly little game" when she inquired about who his chancellor would be.
Reform UK's Controversial Policy Moves
The timing of these incidents is particularly significant as Reform UK has made several controversial policy announcements. Farage recently hired James Orr, a right-wing theologian who opposes abortion even in cases of rape, incest, or serious health risks, as his head of policy. Orr, a Cambridge University professor who heads the Centre for a Better Britain thinktank, is an influential figure in Donald Trump's administration and is admired by Vice-President JD Vance.
Kerry Abel, chair of Abortion Rights, described the appointment as "an alarming moment for Britain" and accused Farage of "borrowing tactics from America's culture wars" regarding anti-abortion ideology.
Additionally, Farage has promised to repeal the Equality Act on his party's first day in government. This legislation provides women with extra protection in the workplace, and its potential repeal has drawn sharp criticism from across the political spectrum.
Political Reactions and Analysis
Labour leader Keir Starmer condemned the plan to repeal the Equality Act as "shocking" and unBritish, arguing that Reform wants to send women back to the "old days." Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow, described the attack on the 2010 legislation as "calculating, playbook, rage-bait politics" and bad economic policy.
Jane Martinson, former chair of Women in Journalism, suggested Farage's behavior reflects Donald Trump's influence. "Nigel Farage is really offering a sort of Trump-lite for the British people, patronizing a respected journalist and newspaper because he disagrees with its scrutiny," she said.
Heejung Chung, director of the King's Global Institute for Women's Leadership, noted that Farage's rhetoric represents a worrying trend that delegitimizes discussion of gender inequality and women's rights in ways that were "unthinkable" just five years ago.
Voter Dynamics and Political Risk
While Reform UK voters have traditionally skewed male, there are signs of shifting dynamics. In the last election, 61% of Reform voters were men, but current polling suggests this figure has dropped to 55% for the 2026 election according to More In Common research.
Luke Tryl, More in Common's executive director, described a "Reform seesaw" among women who express support for the party. While some women in focus groups show interest in the radical change Reform promises, others voice concerns about the risks of backing Farage.
Polling indicates that 25% of women consider Farage's support for Trump as the top reason not to vote Reform, compared to 21% of men. Tryl warned that Farage's pattern of rudeness toward journalists "could go down badly" with voters who are already weighing the risks of supporting his party.
Paul Nowak, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, called for a united front against what he described as a "nasty thread of misogyny" running through Reform UK, noting that the party "already has a problem with women voters."
When asked for comment, a Reform UK spokesperson stated: "Nigel Farage treats all journalists equally. Scrutiny is a two-way street."
