Reform’s Lee Anderson in car crash BBC interview trying to defend Nigel Farage’s no show at election count
Reform chairman Lee Anderson endured a humiliating BBC interview as he attempted to defend Nigel Farage not turning up to […]
Reform chairman Lee Anderson endured a humiliating BBC interview as he attempted to defend Nigel Farage not turning up to his own election count following a by-election in Clacton.
The Reform UK leader failed to turn up for the result declaration, despite winning with a majority of more than 12,000 votes.
Reform claimed that the reason for Farage’s no show was a warning from Essex Police of a threat to Farage’s safety – but that was denied by the force.
It seems as though Reform can’t agree on the reason for Farage’s absence, with Anderson going on Radio 4 to offer a different explanation.
He said: “Nigel’s a great man of principle. We were at a great celebration through the night where we had hundreds and hundreds of campaigners, activists, members, politicians, MPs, councillors from all over the UK who turned out not just to campaign but to celebrate this great victory.
“I think his time is better spent with the people who supported him. He said a massive thank you to them, he’s put on a great party for them. It was a great occasion, it’s only right that he spends that time with his members, with his activists, with his supporters.”
Asked if there was a “credible threat” to Farage, Anderson said: “He was told that there was some planned disruption among some of the other candidates.
“Why go there when you’ve got 33 other candidates and their teams? Why would he go there and listen to them being abusive when you can be with real people from the real world?”
The presenter told him: “That’s not a credible threat, is it? There’s a difference.”
He then said let: “Let me just ask the question”, after Anderson tried to interrupt him.
The Reform chairman butted in: “Let me answer the question, I think you’re splitting hairs here. It’s not up to you at the BBC to decide if there’s a credible threat, it’s up to Nigel and his security team and that’s the end of that question.”
Webb then asked: “So he can say there has been a credible threat and there is no reasonable question that can be asked of it. Is that what you’re saying?”
Anderson replied: “What I’m saying is that what we should be doing today is celebrating Nigel’s stunning victory in Clacton.”
The former Tory MP then pleaded: “Please stop interrupting, you’re very rude.”
Left Foot Forward doesn't have the backing of big business or billionaires. We rely on the kind and generous support of ordinary people like you.
You can support hard-hitting journalism that holds the right to account, provides a forum for debate among progressives, and covers the stories the rest of the media ignore. Donate today.
Donate today
