Reform UK in row with community cafe after being asked to apologise for ‘intimidating’ visit
Nigel Farage has been asked to apologize following his “frightening and overwhelming” uninvited visit to a Wigan-based community cafe during the Makerfield by-election campaign.
Reform UK has been embroiled in a series of controversies over the behavior of Mr Farage and other campaigners standing in a cafe run by the Hamlet Wigan Community Interest Company (CIC), which supports young adults with additional needs.
The CIC executive accused the group of taking photos and videos without permission and of putting “political publicity” ahead of “protection, dignity and emotional well-being” by creating an “intimidating and depressing” atmosphere.
The letter was also shared by Manchester Mayor and Makerfield by-election candidate Andy Bunrham, who was in the cafe at the time of the incident.
“While we have no issues with individuals of any political background visiting the Hamlet, the unannounced arrival of your campaign team, accompanied by a large entourage, security presence and media teams, created an atmosphere that many of our interns, families, staff and clients found intimidating and overwhelming.” The letter was read.
“We are therefore demanding a formal apology for the way today’s visit was carried out, as well as assurances that no other organization supporting vulnerable people in the borough will face a similar situation in the future.”
Reform UK’s Lee Anderson criticized Ms Crompton’s letter, writing on social media: “I’m confused as to why the lady sent the letter as she sat with us talking about the cafe and the challenges she was facing. She then asked for a selfie with Rob and Nigel and thanked us for the visit. We then left.”
Mr Burnham was also at the cafe to attend a celebration after some of the trainees won Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Sharing Mrs Crompton’s letter, he lashed out at Reformation’s behaviour, writing of X: “They were all out of order and if they had any decency they would now put their hands up and apologize.”
In response to Mr Anderson’s rebuttal to her letter, Ms Crompton said Mr Burnham was a long-time supporter of the cafe and had “come forward with no political agenda”.
He then went on to explain how Reform entered the cafe, saying: “It was very crowded and a large party of at least 15 people arrived, entered the cafe and immediately started filming and taking photos.
“Hamlet was not allowed to be used as a political setting and I certainly do not condone it. I did not want photos and media to be taken because I knew they had already started. When I turned my back, they continued to take photos.”
In a letter responding to Ms Crompton, the party suggested her concerns may have been “politically influenced” as it insisted Mr Farage and the party’s by-election candidate Robert Kenyon had come for a cup of tea on a “purely temporary and non-political visit”.
“They both appreciated the opportunity to meet you, learn more about the organization, and learn about the important work you do,” they said.
“In light of this, we were surprised to receive your letter, particularly as the concerns you have now raised were not mentioned at any stage during your half-hour conversation with Nigel and Rob.”
The party said staff took selfies with both Mr Farage and Mr Kenyon and disputed that any photographers were taking pictures on the premises.
He added: “The last thing Nigel or Rob would want to do is make anyone feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed.”
