Given the diversity of Reform UK candidates in some parts of London, one might be forgiven for thinking that the local branches in the capital were home to a more moderate, inclusive version of Reform UK.
Unfortunately not. Meet David Davies, Reform UK candidate for Wanstead Village.
Despite having some kind words for his fellow candidates – writing a comment to the far-right podcaster Connor Tomlinson that he “respects” his black and Asian fellow candidates – Davies has delivered far harsher words to say about ethnic minorities in general via comments from his anonymised YouTube account.
Often using coded language – like swapping “blaque” or “blaq” for Black – Davies has expressed deep hostility to and made sweeping generalisations about ethnic minority Brits, saying that Black people who “bang on about slavery” should “shut the f** up”.
“How have we allowed a small minority of racist blaqs, of mediocre intelligence and ability, subdue us so harshly that we are now frightened to speak?”
Davies is equally contemptuous of Muslims, whom he often refers to as “mz” or “r-o-peace”. He has repeatedly stated that he regards Muslims as “pathological liars” who are “always trouble” and who will soon “reap the whirlwind”, and even goes as far as to say that he would outlaw Islam if given a chance.
Black and Muslim Londoners are not the only group to attract Davies’ hostility. His description of life in Wanstead suggests he has little time for most of the community he lives among, including what he refers to as “Eastern European dross”.
He even goes so far as to say that he wants “every Romanian in this country gone”. This sentiment might make him unpopular in neighbouring Barking, where at least 15 of Reform’s candidates are of Romanian origin, but then again Nigel Farage did once say that he would be “concerned” if Romanian people moved in next door to him.
“I would like to see every Romanian in this country gone, and the slum landlords who follow a certain prophet kicked out. They are nothing but a drain, and have ruined our quality of life.. Thank you Blair, you c***
It might in fact be quicker to discuss which groups Davies does not have a problem with – he also appears to take issue with women with feminists, women with “fat arses”, lesbians in public office and working class people with the audacity to have tattoos and mobile phones:
“I am aghast when I see the fat arses on some women…”
Given the contempt that Davies clearly holds towards such a wide range of his prospective constituents, it is clear that he would be unable to carry out his duties as a councillor anywhere, let alone in a diverse London borough like Redbridge. Perhaps he should consider stepping aside?
Prefer to listen? Click the play button to hear the audio version. Harry Shukman Reform UK is staffed by oddballs and enigmas, but none odder…
