An investigation is underway following allegations that Reform UK councillors attempted to halt a music event in Wakefield due to posters displaying the face of party leader Nigel Farage. Both West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council have confirmed they are looking into reports of an incident that took place on Saturday, 18 July, at the 'Love Music Hate Racism' event held at Wakefield Exchange (WX).
Organisers of the event stated they were instructed by two councillors to "remove any posters and banners that named Farage or the event would be stopped." They added that an altercation developed after complaints were made regarding a poster of the Reform leader. Wakefield East Reform councillor Steve Parker, who organisers said was present, confirmed to the BBC that the incident was under investigation and declined further comment.
West Yorkshire Police stated on Monday, 20 July, that they had received a report concerning the event at WX and that enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances. The organisers also noted that the councillors in question refused an invitation to discuss their complaint at the event and that the original complaint was not sent directly to the manager or the organisers, leaving them unable to view it.
A video circulating on social media appears to show Wakefield East Reform councillor Wayne Beddoes engaged in a conversation with an individual, who is seen pointing at him. A security guard is present, standing to the side. The footage then shows the councillor rising from a bench and leaning towards the person's face, at which point the security guard steps in to separate them. The other person can be heard saying: "Come on then. Come on then mate. You want to have a go?" The camera then zooms in on Councillor Beddoes' face, and he pushes it away. The BBC has attempted to contact Councillor Beddoes for comment but has not received a response.
This incident comes just months after Reform UK secured control of Wakefield Council from Labour in the local elections held in May. A spokesperson for Wakefield Council confirmed: "We've received complaints relating to an event at Wakefield Exchange on 18 July. These will be investigated in line with our standards procedure."