A Reform UK candidate standing in the Greater Manchester mayoral election has faced sharp criticism after suggesting that migrants are more likely to commit rape. The remarks, made during a local hustings event, have been denounced by political opponents and community leaders as inflammatory and divisive.
Candidate’s Remarks Spark Outrage
The candidate, who has not been named publicly, reportedly stated that “a disproportionate number of rapists are migrants” and called for stricter immigration controls. The comments were quickly condemned by the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and anti-racism campaigners, who accused the candidate of stoking xenophobia and misrepresenting crime statistics.
According to official data from the Office for National Statistics, there is no evidence to support the claim that migrants are overrepresented among those convicted of sexual offences. The vast majority of rape convictions involve UK-born individuals.
Political Reactions
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a Labour politician, described the remarks as “dangerous and irresponsible.” In a statement, he said: “We must not allow our political discourse to be poisoned by false and harmful stereotypes. Migrants contribute enormously to our communities, and such rhetoric only serves to divide us.”
A spokesperson for Reform UK defended the candidate, arguing that the comments were taken out of context and that the party supports “fair but controlled immigration.” However, the party did not issue a formal apology.
Broader Implications
The incident has reignited debate over immigration and crime in the lead-up to the mayoral election. Local community groups have called for the candidate to withdraw or be deselected. The election is scheduled for May 2026, with immigration expected to be a key issue.
Reform UK has previously faced controversy over candidates’ remarks on race and immigration. The party, which advocates for tighter border controls, has seen a rise in support in some northern constituencies.
