Conservative Candidate’s Association with Controversial Preachers Raises Concerns

The selection of Darren Millar as a parliamentary candidate for the new Clwyd North seat in North Wales has sparked controversy due to his past associations with preachers accused of homophobia and Islamophobia.

Mr. Millar’s ties to Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong, who has expressed discriminatory views, have been scrutinized. Despite claims of not endorsing such views, Mr. Millar’s connections to Yoong’s church, Cornerstone Community Church, have raised red flags.

In 2019, concerns were raised about financial links between the Evan Roberts Institute, a charity Mr. Millar was a trustee of, and Cornerstone Community Church. Calls were made for Mr. Millar to sever ties with the church, but recent accounts show ongoing financial transactions between the two entities.

Footage from 2015 shows Mr. Millar at an event with controversial preachers Lou Engle and Dutch Sheets, both accused of spreading divisive messages. The presence of Edwina Hart, a former Welsh Parliament member, at the same event adds to the scrutiny.

Lou Engle’s comments about Muslims and Dutch Sheets’ nationalist rhetoric have drawn attention. Engle was investigated in Singapore over statements that could impact religious harmony, and Sheets has made inflammatory remarks about various religions.

Despite the controversy, Mr. Millar expressed delight in being part of the event and praised its significance for the kingdom of God. The Conservative Party has distanced itself from any discriminatory views, stating Mr. Millar’s divergence from those expressed by the preachers.