Richard Tice Faces Criticism for Not Condemning Racist Remarks by Reform Candidate
Published 16 December 2025
Highlights
- Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, refused to condemn mayoral candidate Chris Parry's comments about David Lammy.
- Chris Parry suggested on social media that David Lammy should "go home" to the Caribbean, sparking accusations of racism.
- Tice deflected questions about the comment, emphasizing political debate and refusing to engage with past allegations against Nigel Farage.
- Labour and David Lammy have called for Reform UK to address and eliminate racist rhetoric within the party.
- Parry defended his remarks, suggesting they were taken out of context and questioning Lammy's loyalty to the UK.
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Rewritten Article
Richard Tice Faces Criticism for Not Condemning Racist Remarks by Reform Candidate
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, has come under fire for his refusal to denounce racially charged comments made by Chris Parry, a mayoral candidate for the party. Parry, a retired naval rear admiral, suggested on social media that David Lammy, a prominent Labour politician, should "go home" to the Caribbean, igniting a storm of controversy.
Political Debate or Racism?
During a press conference in Westminster, Tice was questioned about Parry's comments, which were made in February. Parry's post on X, formerly known as Twitter, implied that Lammy's loyalty lay in the Caribbean, given his Guyanese heritage, despite Lammy being born in London. Tice, however, deflected the question, stating, "At the end of the day, David Lammy is a cabinet minister. Whether we think he’s doing a good or bad job is just part of politics."
Calls for Accountability
The Labour Party and Lammy himself have condemned the remarks, urging Reform UK's leader, Nigel Farage, to address the issue of racism within the party. Lammy took to social media to express his stance, stating, "I will never be cowed by racism. But I will call it what it is. Nigel Farage, you need to clean up your party and stamp out this 1950s-style hate."
Defending the Indefensible?
Parry, who is set to stand in the now-postponed Hampshire and the Solent mayoral election, defended his comments, suggesting they were misinterpreted. He maintained that as a former foreign secretary, Lammy's primary loyalty should be to the UK. When asked if he believed Lammy was loyal to the UK, Parry retorted, "Ask him."
A Pattern of Deflection
Tice also sidestepped questions about past allegations of racism against Farage, dismissing them as "old news." This stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Anna Turley, Labour's chair, who has called for a more robust response from Reform UK.
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Scenario Analysis
The refusal of Richard Tice to condemn Chris Parry's comments could have significant implications for Reform UK, potentially alienating voters who are sensitive to issues of race and inclusion. If the party fails to address these concerns, it risks being perceived as tolerant of racist rhetoric, which could damage its reputation and electoral prospects.
Politically, this incident could galvanize opposition parties, particularly Labour, to intensify their critique of Reform UK, framing it as out of touch with modern values. The controversy may also prompt internal discussions within Reform UK about the need for clearer policies and statements on race and diversity.
Experts suggest that unless Reform UK takes decisive action to distance itself from such remarks, it may face increasing scrutiny and pressure from both the public and political opponents. The party's handling of this situation could set a precedent for how it deals with similar issues in the future.
Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, has come under fire for his refusal to denounce racially charged comments made by Chris Parry, a mayoral candidate for the party. Parry, a retired naval rear admiral, suggested on social media that David Lammy, a prominent Labour politician, should "go home" to the Caribbean, igniting a storm of controversy.
Political Debate or Racism?
During a press conference in Westminster, Tice was questioned about Parry's comments, which were made in February. Parry's post on X, formerly known as Twitter, implied that Lammy's loyalty lay in the Caribbean, given his Guyanese heritage, despite Lammy being born in London. Tice, however, deflected the question, stating, "At the end of the day, David Lammy is a cabinet minister. Whether we think he’s doing a good or bad job is just part of politics."
Calls for Accountability
The Labour Party and Lammy himself have condemned the remarks, urging Reform UK's leader, Nigel Farage, to address the issue of racism within the party. Lammy took to social media to express his stance, stating, "I will never be cowed by racism. But I will call it what it is. Nigel Farage, you need to clean up your party and stamp out this 1950s-style hate."
Defending the Indefensible?
Parry, who is set to stand in the now-postponed Hampshire and the Solent mayoral election, defended his comments, suggesting they were misinterpreted. He maintained that as a former foreign secretary, Lammy's primary loyalty should be to the UK. When asked if he believed Lammy was loyal to the UK, Parry retorted, "Ask him."
A Pattern of Deflection
Tice also sidestepped questions about past allegations of racism against Farage, dismissing them as "old news." This stance has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Anna Turley, Labour's chair, who has called for a more robust response from Reform UK.
What this might mean
The refusal of Richard Tice to condemn Chris Parry's comments could have significant implications for Reform UK, potentially alienating voters who are sensitive to issues of race and inclusion. If the party fails to address these concerns, it risks being perceived as tolerant of racist rhetoric, which could damage its reputation and electoral prospects.
Politically, this incident could galvanize opposition parties, particularly Labour, to intensify their critique of Reform UK, framing it as out of touch with modern values. The controversy may also prompt internal discussions within Reform UK about the need for clearer policies and statements on race and diversity.
Experts suggest that unless Reform UK takes decisive action to distance itself from such remarks, it may face increasing scrutiny and pressure from both the public and political opponents. The party's handling of this situation could set a precedent for how it deals with similar issues in the future.
