Reform UK has dropped its parliamentary candidate for Orpington over accusations he made racist comments on social media. 

Campaign group Hope Not Hate published tweets by Mick Greenhough where he made derogatory comments about Muslims, Ashkenazi Jews and Africans. 

In December 2019 he tweeted: “Most Jews are reasonable people. Their problem is the Ashkenazi Jews who have caused the world massive misery.” 

In August 2023 he posted a racist photo mocking Africans. 

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Then in December 2023 he tweeted: “The Muslim Dilemma – if we do not respond to Muslim provocation they will assume we are weak and step up their provocation. If we do respond ruthlessly they will send in their suicide squads. The only solution is to remove the Muslims from our territory.” 

The same Hope Not Hate report published tweets from Jonathan Kay, who was a Reform UK candidate in South Ribble. 

Following the report, a spokesman for the party said: “Reform has removed our candidates for Orpington and South Ribble. 

“We want to make it crystal clear that while we defend our candidates’ right to freedom of speech vigorously, we act fast when we find that individuals’ statements’ fall beneath our standards. 

“Labour and Conservatives also have candidates that make statements that fall below acceptable standards, but we move faster than others in acting decisively.” 

The decision means Reform have now ditched seven candidates for the upcoming election following complaints about their comments on social media. 

Benjamin “Beau” Dade was dropped as candidate for Swindon South following a similar investigation by Hope Not Hate; while Ginny Ball in Rutland and Stamford; Nick Davies in North East Bedfordshire; David Carpin in Henley and Thame; and Roger Hoe in Beverley and Holderness, have all been sacked for comments made on social media. 

The party has also drawn criticism over some of its other candidates, including a convicted animal abuser and a fortune-teller who sold spells for £200 on the OnlyFans website.