Reform UK activists’ racial slur hurts, says Sunak

Conservative leader Rishi Sunak said he was “hurt” and “angry” after a Reform UK canvasser used a racist term to describe him.

Secret recordings published by Channel 4 show a canvasser working to get Reform UK leader Nigel Farage elected as MP for Clacton using a racial slur to refer to the prime minister – who is of Indian origin.

Reform UK said those making “unacceptable comments” will no longer be part of Mr Farage’s campaign.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Sunak said “my two daughters have to see and hear Reform people who campaigned for Nigel Farage” using racist language against him.

“It hurts. And it makes me angry,” he said.

Mr Farage “has some questions to answer,” he added.

“When you see Reform candidates and campaigners, seemingly using racist and misogynistic language and opinions seemingly without challenge, I think it tells you something about the culture within the Reform Party.”

In responding to the comments, Mr Sunak chose to repeat the racist term, saying: “I do it deliberately and I hate having to do it.

“I chose my words deliberately and I hate having to repeat them, absolutely hate it but I also think it’s important to call this out for what it is and be clear about what it is.”