Reform UK has suspended a newly elected councillor in Plymouth after a series of social media posts containing Islamophobic and antisemitic content were uncovered. Ben Rowe won the Ham ward seat on Plymouth City Council on Friday with 1,649 votes, more than double the total received by his nearest rival, Labour's Tina Tuohy. The party confirmed his suspension to the BBC on Tuesday, just days after his election victory.
Posts Emerged Before Polling Day
According to the BBC, the offensive posts had already emerged before polling day, prompting Reform to say it was investigating the claims before the vote took place. A Reform spokesman confirmed to the BBC: 'Cllr Rowe has been suspended from Reform UK pending investigation.'
Allegations from Hope Not Hate
According to the anti-racism group Hope Not Hate, Rowe allegedly urged protesters throwing bricks at police defending a mosque to 'get rid of that filthy building' during the 2024 Southport riots. This is one of several posts that have drawn criticism.
Additional Offensive Comments
According to a previous article in the Times, Rowe also posted a comment beneath a YouTube video in February in which he accused Jewish people of creating division by forcing other races onto British society and described immigrants to the UK as 'breeding like rats.' The posts have sparked widespread condemnation.
Reform UK's Electoral Success in Plymouth
Rowe's suspension came during a period of significant electoral success for Reform in Plymouth. The party took 14 of the 19 available council seats in the local elections and became the main opposition party on Plymouth City Council with 16 seats in total. Labour retained control of the council with 31 seats. Plymouth holds its local elections in thirds, meaning one third of available seats goes to voters each year, with a fourth year where no elections are held.
Broader Pattern of Gains
Reform's performance in Plymouth mirrored a broader pattern of strong results for the party in England's local elections last week, with the party making substantial gains in councils across the country, including taking control of several authorities outright.
