Pictured: Nathan Gill

Image credits: Wikimedia Commons

Another day, another scandal regarding Reform UK. The charges are stacking up against the far-right party, this time regarding the ex-leader of the Reform UK Wales branch, Nathan Gill. Gill pleaded guilty and has since been jailed for accepting money in return for taking part in a pro-Russian influence campaign in European Parliament and on Ukrainian television.

Since the event, Nigel Farage has distanced himself from the former chair of the Welsh branch, claiming he was ‘stunned’ by the revelation, before reiterating his support for Ukraine in their time of need. Given both Farage and Reform’s track record, this does beg the question as to whether this is purely a political move or a genuine condemnation, especially given the party’s merry alliances with other known criminals, such as the current president of the United States, Donald Trump, and Farage’s allegations surrounding racism and antisemitism.

Such a case is likely symptomatic of what is wrong with Reform and the British political landscape in recent years. The people who claim to represent the masses and are supposed upholders of democracy are consistently exposed as careerists, with only their own self-interest at heart. One must look only as far as the Reform UK leader to see this, as he courts fascism to profit, whilst also resorting to selling out his voice and image online for the mere price of £85.52.

How can Britain expect to be treated with respect as a nation and people when the man who looks set to become the next Prime Minister will blithely contradict himself for less than a hundred pounds?

Unfortunately, this is merely a surface-level problem within the rotten can of worms that is Reform UK. Farage may have been ‘stunned’ by the revelation of his colleague of numerous years being a sellout, but I’m not and you shouldn’t be either. How can you be when Farage, the man at the helm is essentially doing the same thing on a regular basis?

They’re all sellouts, they all lack integrity, and they will all lead Britain to the gutter before scurrying off to their tax havens with their stolen assets, but none as quick as Farage. Admittedly, Farage’s cameo venture and friendship with Donald Trump may be less treasonous in the eyes of the law, but should they be in the eyes of the public? Has Farage not betrayed this nation with his racist rhetoric, deceit and hatred that has quietly allowed fascist schools of thought in via the back door?

Whether you see Farage as a traitor to the nation or not, Nathan Gill most certainly is. To promote Russian agendas when they commit atrocious war crimes against the Ukrainian people daily is harmful, but the notion that his political integrity and voice could be bought shows that Gill was one of the very worst in British and international politics. Reform UK, Wales and Great Britain should all feel ashamed that he was ever given a platform to express a view that could so easily be shaped by monetary incentive. In an age of charisma politics, where elections are won and lost on who can eat a bacon sandwich and drink a pint, it becomes increasingly worrying to see figures such as Gill permeate and succeed within the electoral system.

Although worrying it is unsurprising, the electorate has been split by Labour failures and the downfall of the Conservative party with there being a notable shift to either end of the political spectrum. Consequently, the public has become more distrusting of policy, instead looking to see themselves in their leader, thus leading to the rise of figures preoccupied with self-image rather than meaningful change and infrastructure for the benefit of all.

The people now face the difficult task of separating the wheat from the chaff in a world swirling with fake news and hateful agendas. It is people like Gill that must be found out, with inquests in the Reform party seemingly the next step, but with the party so steeped in deceit, the question should not be who will be found out, but instead, can it survive?

Many left-wing elements will be praying for their downfall and must act decisively in order to fight this battle on an even playing field, as Gill’s case is a testament to the foundation of lies that Reform UK and the British political system are built on.