Reform UK Faces Scrutiny Over Paper Candidate Drive

Reform UK faces scrutiny over its frantic efforts to recruit candidates for the upcoming local elections on May 7, as reports emerge of the party cold-calling members of the public, including non-supporters, to stand as so-called paper candidates with minimal involvement.

The party, led by Nigel Farage, has been accused of reaching out to individuals who signed up for its email updates, asking them to lend their names to ballots without campaigning or expecting victory. Among those contacted were members of rival parties and a journalist, who received a call last week inquiring, "Will you come in to become a paper candidate today and help us to win the election?" Prospective candidates are reportedly asked basic eligibility questions, such as whether they are bankrupt or have criminal convictions, before receiving application packs. A party email urged recipients, "Even if you just want to assist by being a paper candidate, please help Nigel and our team by signing up as a candidate today."

Farage denied the cold-calling allegations during a press conference in Bedworth, Warwickshire, on Tuesday, calling the approach "very, very fruitless." He insisted that Reform UK has only...