The silencing of journalists who could be critical comes shortly before the Reform leader flies to the US while parliament is sitting to testify before congress on the subject of “free speech”
Nigel Farage has been accused of hypocrisy after banning journalists shortly before flying to the US to discuss free speech.
In a Donald Trump-esque move, Reform’s council leader at Nottingham County Council banned some local reporters from receiving the party’s press notices and interviewing him or the 40 elected Reform councillors in the area.
The silencing of journalists who could be critical comes shortly before the Reform leader flies to the US while parliament is sitting to testify before congress on the subject of “free speech.”
While there, Farage is expected to defend Lucy Connolly, who admitted and was convicted of inciting hatred and violence after calling for migrant hotels to be set on fire.
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Ahead of the trip, Mr Farage said Ms Connolly, who painted herself as a “political prisoner” after her release from prison, would be “a very central point of what I’m discussing”.
Farage has now been accused of hypocrisy, with Reform UK claiming to care about free speech while clamping down on news outlets.
A Labour source told the Mirror: “Farage is happy to fly thousands of miles to lecture others on free speech, yet doesn’t appear to care about his Reform foot soldiers refusing to speak to local journalists.
“Free speech when it suits is no free speech at all. He’s a total hypocrite.”
The party also asked what Reform are “trying to hide” by refusing to engage with democratic scrutiny.
A Labour spokesperson said:“Farage’s councillors are clearly unable to defend their record. If they want to hold public office, they must accept the responsibility that comes with it – including answering to the people they serve.
“Nigel Farage needs to come clean as to whether he’s happy for other members of his Party to run from their record or if he’ll instruct his Party to answer the questions that are rightly being asked of them.”
Labour MP Michael Payne, who represents Gedling in Nottinghamshire, has now written to Farage urging a U-turn.
He said: “Those who put themselves forward for public office have a duty to answer questions, explain the decisions they take and face the democratic scrutiny the public rightly expects, as you yourself have twice this week.
“The residents of Nottinghamshire deserve answers to the issues that affect their everyday lives: a social care system in crisis, roads in a poor state of repair, and severely strained provision for SEND children, which has reached a dire point after eight years of Conservative control at the County Council.
“That is why I am calling on you to reverse this decision immediately. Restore proper engagement with Nottinghamshire Live, and make clear to your Party’s councillors that they are accountable to the people they serve.”
Reform did not respond to requests for comment.
