Nigel Farage was forced to issue a string of scathing put-downs to "far-left" protesters who attempted to disrupt a Reform UK event in Doncaster today.
Farage had been about to unveil the party's candidate for Doncaster mayor to contest the May 1 elections when his speech was interrupted by a number of demonstrators - who were later frogmarched out of the venue.
As the Reform UK leader was hailing how recently-deceased Battle of Britain hero John "Paddy" Hemingway fought for Britons' right to free expression, a protester emerged from the crowd to hurl abuse.
Farage told them: "Go home... Haven't you got a job to go to?"
Farage had been about to unveil the party's candidate for Doncaster mayor to contest the May 1 elections when his speech was interrupted by a number of demonstrators
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He then quipped: "I was going to say... Haven't you got a job to go to? But that looks pretty unlikely, doesn't it?"
Farage also launched into a scathing attack on the protesters - he told his Doncaster audience: "Go back to school please, we know what's going to happen. Boring, boring, boring. They will do everything they can to stop this being a free and fair election. Have a look at that. The anger... You must be at university.
"That's what you get folks, when teaching unions in this country are poisoning the minds of young people, not just against Reform, but against everything this country has ever stood for.
"I'll make it clear, when we’re in a position of power, we will go to war with these left-wing teaching unions and make sure our kids are taught properly!"
At least two more protesters also attempted to disrupt the speech - then, after they were removed, Reform was able to announce its candidate: Alexander Jones.
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"Boring, boring, boring... They will do everything they can to stop this being a free and fair election," Farage fumed
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"Anti-fascist" group Stand Up To Racism later confirmed their activists had infiltrated the speech to challenge Reform UK on "trying to spread hate and division".
Sabby Dhalu, the group's co-convenor, said: "Nigel Farage and Reform UK are trying to spread hate and division at a time when we need unity.
"We are seeing the same old scapegoating of migrants while real issues like NHS underfunding, cost of living, and workers' rights are ignored.
"Farage and his rich donors do not stand for working people and stir up racism and division. Reform is a threat to our communities."
In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, Farage said: "I am delighted to announce Alexander as our candidate for Mayor of Doncaster.
"Alexander understands the challenges faced by local people having lived here all his life. He is young, energetic and exactly what's needed to get Doncaster back on track."
Farage was eventually able to unveil Alexander Jones
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Reform was later able to announce its candidate, Alexander Jones
REFORM UK
Meanwhile, Jones said: "Growing up in Doncaster showed me how our communities can be forgotten and failed by politicians who promise much but deliver little.
"Doncaster has huge potential, and I am confident that I can unlock it and deliver the opportunities and investment local people deserve.
"A vote for Labour or the Conservatives in this election is a vote for more of the same complacency and decay that has held Doncaster back for years. Doncaster is broken. Reform will fix it."
With May 1 just over a month away, Jones joins seven other candidates in contesting incumbent Labour mayor Ros Jones for the role.
They are:
- Julie Buckley (Green)
- Frank Calladine (British Democratic Party)
- Nicholas Fletcher (Conservative)
- Andy Hiles (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition)
- Alexander Jones (Reform UK)
- Ros Jones (Labour)
- Richie Vallance (Independent)
- Andrew Walmsley (Yorkshire Party)
- Doug Wright (Independent)
