In a dramatic turn of events, Reform UK has dropped three of its candidates’ following revelations that they made offensive comments. This comes amid a boycott of the BBC by party leader Nigel Farage, who has accused the broadcaster of bias.

Farage announced his decision to boycott the BBC on Saturday afternoon via X, formerly known as Twitter. He declared, “I have just been invited to appear on Laura Kuenssberg. I’m refusing until the BBC apologises for their dishonest Question Time audience. Our state broadcaster has behaved like a political actor throughout this election. Reform will be campaigning vigorously to abolish the licence fee.”

That news came as Mr Farage posted two images on X claiming that a number of individuals who were in the Question Time audience were placed there deliberately including a BBC director, the broadcaster has denied this.

Meanwhile, Edward Oakenfull, standing in Derbyshire Dales; Robert Lomas, a candidate in Barnsley North; and Leslie Lilley, standing in Southend East and Rochford have been disowned by Farage however, the candidates will remain on the ballot papers as it is too late for their names to be removed. Farage distanced himself from the candidates, stating, “I want nothing to do with them.”

Farage has also accused Channel 4 of attempting to undermine Reform UK. This accusation follows a Channel 4 news report that captured one of Reform’s canvassers making offensive remarks. Channel 4 has denied any wrongdoing or bias in their reporting however an official complaint has now been made under electoral interference.