Reform UK ‘has nothing to say’ on councillor’s sharing of far right group's content

Plasterer Ivan Dabbs is the new councillor for Deanshanger and just like with his colleague Ron Firman, Reform UK has nothing to say on his past social media activity

By Sarah Ward

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Reform UK ‘has nothing to say’ on a newly elected councillor’s sharing of social media posts by a far right group.

Ivan Dabbs, who is now a sitting councillor on West Northamptonshire Council, has in recent months shared at least one post by far right group Britain First, which called on people to gather for a street march.

The group, which is led by former BNP member Paul Golding, is seen as anti-Muslim and anti-immigration. The party stood a candidate in last year’s parliamentary by-election in Wellingborough and gained 477 votes.

Britain First leader Paul Golding (left) at the Wellingborough by-election.

The Guardian reported at least 12 new Reform councillors have shared far right content, with the councillor’s seemingly getting through the vetting checks the party hailed before the election.

When NN Journal called Ivan Dabbs to ask about the posts and whether he is a Britain First supporter, he said that the Reform press office had a statement and he would not be commenting on the matter.

However when we called the national party and spoke to a media officer, he said the party had no comment to make and we could interpret that however we wanted to.

The media spokesperson said it was Ivan Dabb’s decision to share the posts and the party had nothing to say.

The party’s unwillingness to address the issue follows on from a similar response to Dabb’s new political colleague Ron Firman. The former bus driver, who has made racist and sexist posts, including about Somalian refugees, is now one of three elected member’s for Hunsbury. While his offensive comments were exposed before the election, the party chose not to comment or take any suspension action.

Councillor Dabbs, however did answer a couple of questions from us.

Asked why he wanted to achieve as a councillor, the 57 year old grandfather, who has lived in the Mounts area of Northampton for the past 50 years, said:

“That the younger generation can afford to have children, because a lot of the younger generation who are getting married can’t afford to have children. That is one of my main things. They should not feel like that.

“I am really looking forward to the first meeting, just to get my point across to the younger generation.

“I have been living in my area for 50 years and the graffiti and everything else is just getting out of order. I wanted to do my own area, but I am doing another area, which I will give 100 per cent to as well.”

The West unitary leadership is still being kept under wraps, with an announcement expected today. The cabinet positions will need to be in place for the council’s annual meeting on Thursday.

Martin Griffiths (right) is the new leader of the North unitary and Eddie McDonald is his deputy. Reform UK image

In the North, former Tory Martin Griffiths has been elected leader and former police officer Eddie McDonald is his deputy.