Nigel Farage is under pressure to denounce certain members of his party following a controversial statement made by one of his MPs regarding an “LGBT supporting” coalition facing the nation. Danny Kruger, who recently switched from the Conservatives to Reform UK, expressed his concerns about a mix of left-wing parties, including those advocating for LGBT rights and supporting Hamas, in a video posted on Reform UK’s YouTube channel.
Critics have labeled Kruger’s comments as outdated and inappropriate, calling for Farage to disavow them. This call comes on the heels of another incident where Reform’s Sarah Pochin made a contentious statement about diversity in advertising, prompting anger but no direct condemnation from Farage.
During a recent membership event for Reform UK, Kruger, the son of TV personality Prue Leith, cautioned that the UK could potentially be governed by a radical party supporting Hamas and LGBT causes. He highlighted the challenge Reform faces against various political groups, emphasizing the need for unity against what he perceives as a divisive coalition.
Kruger’s stance has sparked backlash, with Labour MP Polly Billington criticizing his remarks as divisive and urging Farage to take a stand against such rhetoric. Kruger, when questioned by the Mirror, failed to elaborate on his concerns about LGBT rights but emphasized the importance of voting for Reform to prevent what he views as an undesirable government.
In response to Kruger’s comments, a Labour source condemned his views as regressive and unwelcome in mainstream politics, citing a desire to return to an era of heightened discrimination. This controversy follows past remarks by Kruger in 2023 regarding marriage and societal norms, indicating a pattern of contentious statements from the MP.
The ongoing debate within Reform UK about inflammatory statements made by its members underscores the challenges facing the party as it attempts to navigate political discourse and maintain a cohesive image. Farage’s handling of these situations has come under scrutiny, with calls for him to address and rectify the divisive rhetoric within his party.