A candidate running for political reform, known for meeting King Charles, has been revealed for making derogatory anti-Muslim remarks. Daniel Devaney, a contender in the local elections under Nigel Farage’s party, expressed extreme views towards Islam followers, advocating for their removal from society. The former canteen assistant, who once served in the Navy, Army, and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI), faced scrutiny after his inflammatory comments surfaced on social media.
The Reform party, led by Farage, faced criticism over its candidate selection process, as evidence from the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate (HnH) suggested inadequate vetting of Devaney. The party has been accused of harboring anti-Muslim sentiments, with Devaney being the latest example of Islamophobia within its ranks. HnH’s senior researcher, Harry Shukman, condemned the party for repeatedly endorsing candidates with discriminatory views.
Devaney’s Facebook posts revealed his hostility towards Muslims, including incendiary remarks about the conflict in Gaza and calls for civil unrest against the Labour party. His online activity also featured Islamophobic jokes and derogatory comments targeting Muslim communities. Despite his controversial statements, Devaney defended his past remarks as emotional outbursts and expressed regret for his inflammatory language.
The candidate, seeking a district council position in Bradford under Reform, attempted to distance himself from his contentious statements, attributing them to momentary lapses in judgment. Devaney acknowledged the need for better articulation in his online posts and emphasized his intentions to contribute positively to his community. Reform UK announced that they are investigating the allegations surrounding Devaney’s conduct.
This incident follows recent revelations involving other Reform candidates espousing controversial beliefs, including conspiracy theories and praise for historical figures with extremist ideologies. The party’s association with candidates promoting divisive rhetoric has raised concerns about its commitment to inclusive and responsible political representation.