Reform UK Candidate Apologizes for Controversial Comments on Neutrality and Gender, Vows Full Withdrawal

A Reform UK candidate in the Bexhill and Battle constituency, Ian Gribbin, has stirred controversy over old internet posts suggesting that Britain should have opted for neutrality during World War Two and making derogatory remarks about women.

Gribbin, who initially declined comments, has now issued an apology, expressing deep regret and vowing a full withdrawal of the contentious statements that have triggered widespread criticism.

The comments were unearthed from Gribbin’s posts on the UnHerd website, prompting reactions from Reform UK leaders including Nigel Farage and Richard Tice.

Farage acknowledged the challenges in vetting candidates under the snap election circumstances, noting similar issues across all parties with candidate selection.

In his 2022 posts, Gribbin appeared to endorse Hitler’s neutrality offer, criticized Churchill, and made disparaging remarks about women, portraying a polarizing stance on historical events and gender dynamics.

Reform UK’s economic policy announcement coincided with the controversy, featuring plans to overhaul the Bank of England and raise income tax thresholds to £20,000.

The broader political landscape has seen multiple parties facing candidate scrutiny, with the Green Party suspending several candidates for anti-Semitic tweets and the Workers Party of Britain withdrawing a candidate over social media posts.

Despite the challenges posed by the vetting process, parties like Plaid Cymru have taken actions post-nomination, reflecting the evolving dynamics in the lead-up to the election.