The Tories on Saturday redoubled their attack on ‘racism’ in Reform UK after a close ally of leader Nigel Farage described Kemi Badenoch as a ‘Nigerian scammer’.
Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Raheem Kassam, a long-standing adviser to Mr Farage, of ‘launching racist slurs’ against the Tory leader.
In one post on X, Mr Kassam wrote: ‘How are people still falling for this Nigerian scammer? Don’t give her your credit card number and bank account details!’
In others he said: ‘So Kemi, tell us the truth. Are you a walking gaffe or an illegal immigrant?’ and pointedly used her full name – Olukemi Olufunto Adegoke Badenoch.
The Tories called on Mr Farage to ‘come clean’ about Mr Kassam’s precise role in the party. He has been close to Mr Farage for more than a decade, serving as his chief of staff when he was Ukip leader.
Although Mr Kassam was in Reform’s London HQ as recently as last week, the party denies that he has any formal role.
The posts from Mr Kassam – who once described himself as a ‘one-man human shield’ for Mr Farage and said he would take him to steam rooms to stop him sweating in public – have come amid accusations Reform is pursuing a so-called ‘ethno-nationalist’ strategy, with MPs claiming only those who are white can be truly English.
Mrs Badenoch has seen a surge in support since she used her speech to the Tory conference this month to attack Reform MPs who have parroted this line.
Conservative chairman Kevin Hollinrake accused Raheem Kassam (pictured right), a long-standing adviser to Mr Farage, of ‘launching racist slurs’ against the Tory leader
The Tories called on Mr Farage to ‘come clean’ about Mr Kassam’s precise role in the party after the tweets were posted
It comes after a week in which Reform were dogged with questions about their candidate-vetting processes after an undercover sting by ITV found multiple councillors and candidates expressing racist views and using offensive language.
A Reform spokesman insisted: ‘There is no room for racism in Reform UK.’
Mr Hollinrake told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It’s time for Mr Farage to come clean about precisely what role Raheem Kassam has within Reform. Does he have a paid position?
‘Is he acting as an informal advisor? What influence does he have over Reform’s communications and wider political strategy?
‘Reform say there is no room for racism inside their party. How does that square with the fact Mr Kassam still seems to retain close ties to Mr Farage, while simultaneously launching racist slurs against the Leader of the Opposition?’
Mr Kassam denied wrongdoing and accused Mr Hollinrake of ‘hurling woke, Leftist terms’, saying: ‘I’m Indian, but I don’t think it is racist to call me Indian. Kemi is a compulsive liar. She is, without doubt, a scammer.’
In addition, a friend of Mr Kassam claimed that a delegation of Tory MPs had recently visited the restaurant which Mr Kassam runs in Washington DC and asked him to work with them.
The friend said: ‘He has only been over from Washington for a few weeks and the Tories are already panicking, which is sort of flattering. But he has no intention of staying in London long term.’
A Reform insider said: ‘Raheem’s worked with people on the political Right on and off for over a decade, including the Conservative Party.
The Tories on Saturday redoubled their attack on ‘racism’ in Reform UK after a close ally of leader Nigel Farage described Kemi Badenoch (pictured) as a ‘Nigerian scammer’
‘Tory MPs dined at his restaurant in Washington last year and asked him to come back and work with them. They’re obviously attacking him now because he refused.’
A Tory source strenuously denied the claim.
Mr Kassam has sent a flurry of messages in recent weeks on X, including one containing footage of Mrs Badenoch speaking at her father’s memorial in 2022.
He wrote: ‘When Kemi Badenoch speaks to other Nigerians, she turns off her fake English accent.
‘She also tells them that she loves Nigeria just as much as England. And what’s all this about saying Islamic prayers in Nigeria? She is running to be PM while stating equal allegiance to another country??? How are people still falling for this Nigerian scammer? Don’t give her your credit card number and bank account details!’
Earlier this month, he criticised the version of the Bayeux Tapestry the Tories mocked up for their party conference, spoofing Labour figures such as Andy Burnham, John Healey and Sir Keir Starmer.
Mr Kassam complained that their version of the embroidery, originally depicting events from 1064 onwards, ‘includes their Nigerian leader, Olukemi Badenoch. This is Netflix-tier bad’.
Mrs Badenoch’s approval ratings shot up when voters were shown clips of her saying she didn’t want to live in a nation run by people who ‘debate whether my mixed-race children are English’ – including a leap from 40 per cent to 57 per cent among Reform voters.
Mr Farage has warned his colleagues to stop drawing lines around Englishness, ‘exchanging words’ with Suella Braverman after she suggested she could not be considered English because her parents were born abroad.
- READ MORE: INSIDE WESTMINSTER: Rumours of sex scandal swirling. ‘Dodgy’ donations D-Day looming. Polls plunging. How much can Nigel’s ailing party take?
Activist: ‘Put new arrivals in concentration camps’
By Tom Midlane
A would-be Reform MP has suggested asylum seekers should be put in concentration camps upon arrival in Britain.
The activist also described himself as ‘pretty hardline about Islam’ and claimed Muslims could not be British.
His comments were recorded in an undercover investigation by ITV that has seen Reform accused of ‘extreme racism’ and ‘appalling behaviour’.
Discussing small boats crossing the Channel, the aspiring MP said: ‘In the first week of election, build concentration camps, and everyone who comes across on the Channel, you’re in there.’
And in footage due to be broadcast today, he also said: ‘If a Muslim’s prepared to de-convert, I’m happy.’ The activist then added: ‘As far as I understand, [Reform home affairs spokesman] Zia Yusuf is a Muslim… To me… you cannot be a Muslim and British… it’s like oil and water.’
It comes after the investigation revealed Reform councillors and candidates using racist language.
One clip saw black children referred to as ‘animals’, while in another a party member said his area had become ‘infested’ with Asian families.
Reform said it has ‘improved’ its vetting, but added: ‘From time to time a handful of individuals who do not share our values will initially make it through.’
Kemi BadenochReform UKNigel Farage
Farage Ally’s ‘Nigerian Scammer’ Jibe at Kemi Badenoch Sparks Outrage After Councillors’ Racist Remarks!
A fresh political controversy has erupted in Britain after an ally of Nigel Farage reportedly sparked outrage with a controversial remark about Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch. The alleged reference to a “Nigerian scammer” has triggered accusations of racism and raised serious questions about political standards, discrimination and the increasingly hostile atmosphere within British politics.
The controversy has attracted national attention because Kemi Badenoch is one of Britain’s most prominent political figures. As leader of the Conservative Party, she occupies an important position in the country’s political debate and regularly faces criticism from opponents across the political spectrum. However, criticism of a politician’s policies and leadership is very different from making remarks that appear to target their ethnic background or national origins.
The reported comments have also emerged amid wider allegations involving councillors accused of making racist remarks. These developments have intensified calls for political parties to examine the behaviour of their representatives and ensure that appropriate standards are maintained.
Kemi Badenoch has become an influential figure in British politics since taking over the leadership of the Conservative Party in November 2024. Born in Wimbledon, London, she spent part of her childhood in Nigeria before returning to Britain as a teenager. Her background has been an important part of her personal story, although she has repeatedly emphasised her political beliefs and commitment to British public life.
Her position as Conservative leader has placed her at the centre of debates about immigration, national identity, economic policy and the future of the political right.
Nigel Farage and Reform UK have also become increasingly influential in Britain’s political landscape. Their campaign has focused on immigration control, national sovereignty, economic reform and criticism of traditional political institutions.
The relationship between Reform UK and the Conservatives has been particularly competitive. Both parties are seeking support from voters who favour stronger immigration controls and significant changes to Britain’s political direction.
Consequently, disagreements between political figures and their supporters can quickly become national controversies.
However, the reported insult directed at Badenoch raises a different issue. Political opponents have every right to challenge her policies, question her decisions and disagree with her leadership. Nevertheless, using language associated with racial stereotypes or national-origin prejudice risks turning legitimate political disagreement into personal discrimination.
The phrase reportedly used has caused particular concern because references to Nigerian identity can carry harmful associations when used as an insult. Nigeria is a country with a large and diverse population, a rich cultural history and millions of people living in Britain who contribute to society in numerous ways.
Nigerian-British communities are represented across business, education, healthcare, politics, entertainment and public services. Racist stereotypes should not be used to define individuals or entire communities.
The allegations involving councillors have also raised questions about the responsibilities of elected representatives. Councillors occupy positions of public trust and are expected to treat residents with dignity and respect, regardless of their ethnicity, religion or political opinions.
Local government plays an important role in everyday British life. Councillors make decisions affecting housing, education, transport, social care and community development. Their conduct can therefore have a direct impact on public confidence in democratic institutions.
When allegations of racist behaviour emerge, political parties and relevant authorities must examine the circumstances carefully. Investigations should establish exactly what was said, who was involved and whether established standards or codes of conduct were breached.
It is equally important to distinguish between allegations and proven misconduct. Individuals should have an opportunity to respond, while complaints should be assessed fairly and independently.
The controversy also highlights the wider problem of racism in British political debate. Over recent years, discussions about immigration and national identity have become increasingly heated. Social media has made it easier for controversial comments to spread rapidly, sometimes reaching millions of people within hours.
Political figures have significant influence over public discussion. Their language can shape how supporters view opponents and minority communities. Responsible leadership therefore requires a clear distinction between challenging political ideas and attacking someone’s identity.
This does not mean that politicians should avoid difficult subjects. Immigration, integration, border security and national identity are legitimate matters for democratic debate. However, arguments should be based on policies, evidence and facts rather than racial stereotypes.
For Kemi Badenoch, the controversy presents another challenge as she attempts to maintain her political position and strengthen the Conservative Party’s public image. Her leadership already faces pressure from Reform UK on the right and Labour on the political centre-left.
The Conservative Party must also consider how it responds to allegations of discriminatory language across the political landscape. Maintaining credibility requires consistent standards, regardless of which political party or individual is involved.
Reform UK faces similar questions as it seeks to establish itself as a serious national political force. Its representatives and supporters are increasingly visible in public debate, making their conduct an important part of the party’s wider reputation.
Political parties cannot control every statement made by individual supporters. Nevertheless, they can establish clear standards for elected representatives, respond appropriately to complaints and demonstrate that discrimination is not acceptable.
The public also has an important role to play. Voters should be able to challenge politicians, demand explanations and hold public officials accountable. At the same time, political disagreement should not become an excuse for harassment or racial hostility.
Ultimately, the controversy is about more than one alleged insult. It raises fundamental questions about the standards expected of people participating in British democracy and the responsibility of political leaders to protect respectful public debate.
In conclusion, the reported “Nigerian scammer” remark directed at Kemi Badenoch has triggered a fresh political storm and renewed concerns about racism within British public life. Allegations involving councillors have added to the controversy, increasing pressure on political parties to investigate complaints and maintain high standards of conduct. While politicians must remain open to criticism, attacks based on ethnicity or national origin have no place in responsible democratic debate. The facts surrounding the allegations must be established fairly, and anyone found to have breached relevant standards should be held accountable. Britain’s political future depends on vigorous disagreement about policies without allowing racism, prejudice and personal intimidation to undermine democratic values.