The Guardian reported Nov. 2 that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) asked Reform UK to explain how it addresses equality-law concerns after complaints surfaced following an ITV undercover investigation of the party.
The Guardian quoted the commission as saying the complaints alleged unlawful activity and cited concerns about race- and sex-related remarks by serving or prospective councillors and other party members. The EHRC said it would assess the information before deciding whether further action was appropriate. The Guardian described no legal determination against Reform and no announced formal inquiry.
The Equality Act 2010 includes rules for qualifying associations that address discrimination and harassment involving members and applicants. The law’s definition sets a threshold of at least 25 members and a process for admitting them; EHRC guidance says political parties fall under this framework.
ITV said its investigation used undercover recordings of Reform candidates and councillors in England and Wales, spanning local election campaigns and four by-elections in 2025 and 2026. The broadcaster reported comments about race and religion as well as remarks about women. The program featured then-Reform councillor Alan Feeney and Reform MP Sarah Pochin, who criticized sexism in the party.
A Reform spokesperson told The Guardian the party was confident it had met its obligations under the Equality Act. In response to ITV’s investigation, Reform said it was reviewing members’ conduct, had suspended some members and had tightened its candidate-vetting process.
The EHRC’s 2020 investigation into antisemitism complaints in the Labour Party found unlawful acts, the commission said. That case concerned a different party. For Reform, the EHRC said it would first assess the complaints and then decide whether to take action.
