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In a controversial incident that has drawn widespread criticism, Simon Evans, a councillor with Reform UK, has publicly apologised after liking a Facebook post that called for the shooting of Labour MP Natalie Fleet. The post, linked to discussions around a grooming gang inquiry, has prompted serious questions about the party’s stance on extremism.
The Incident
Cllr Evans, who serves as the cabinet member for children and families on Lancashire Council, liked a post that included the phrase “You dozy cow… you should be shot”, directed at Fleet, the MP for Bolsover. Following an outcry, Evans claimed he was unaware of the post’s full content and expressed regret for his actions. “I would never intentionally call for or wish violence upon anyone,” he stated, insisting that he had been campaigning on the issue of grooming gangs for years.
Political Fallout
The response from Labour has been swift and scathing. Alex Davies-Jones, the party’s minister for victims and tackling violence against women and girls, condemned the incident as “grotesque and misogynistic,” asserting that such rhetoric should have no place in society. She further called on Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, to take decisive action against Evans, urging him to “grow a backbone” and suspend the councillor for his endorsement of dangerous sentiments.
This incident comes on the heels of Farage’s assertion at a press conference in Dover that he has done more to combat far-right extremism than any other politician. Critics argue that his failure to act against Evans undermines this claim.
Reform UK’s Response
In response to the uproar, Reform UK released a statement asserting that they had investigated the matter and deemed it an “honest mistake.” They accepted Evans’ apology and maintained that he did not fully grasp the implications of the post when he liked it. However, this incident is not the only controversy surrounding the party.
Reform UK has also faced scrutiny for their reluctance to remove Chris Parry, their candidate for Mayor of Hampshire, who made inflammatory comments suggesting that Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy should “go home” to Jamaica, where his “loyalties lie.” Parry has a history of making contentious remarks, having previously referred to Birmingham as a “failed colony” and praised the late right-wing politician Enoch Powell as “unfulfilled.”
Broader Implications
This incident raises significant concerns about the normalisation of violent rhetoric in political discourse. Many observers fear that such comments could embolden extremist views and create a more hostile political environment.
The backlash against Evans and Reform UK reflects a growing intolerance for misogynistic and violent language in politics and highlights the need for accountability among elected officials.
Why it Matters
The actions of Simon Evans and the subsequent response from Reform UK underscore a critical moment in British politics, where the line between robust debate and threatening rhetoric is increasingly blurred. As society grapples with issues of extremism and violence, the political consequences of such incidents will be pivotal in shaping public trust and the integrity of political discourse in the UK. The response—or lack thereof—from party leaders will be scrutinised as voters increasingly demand accountability and a commitment to civility from their representatives.
