Reform Senedd worker's Facebook had dozens of racist and anti-Muslim posts

A special adviser employed by a Reform Senedd politician has been linked to dozens of social media posts containing racist and anti-Muslim content. Derek Roberts, who had previously stood as a Reform candidate, resigned from his position in this year’s Senedd election following internal concerns about his Facebook activity. Despite stepping down as a candidate, Roberts is currently working for Reform’s Gaz Thomas as a special adviser.

The controversial posts, which date from 2022 to 2025, include offensive language targeting people from Pakistan and express support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson. Some messages also attack former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf, focusing on his Muslim faith. The content has raised serious questions regarding Reform’s candidate vetting process. When approached, Reform in the Senedd declined to comment on their recruitment methods.

Roberts was originally announced in March as the second-place candidate in the Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg constituency, covering Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan. However, shortly after, it was publicly stated that he would no longer stand, with Reform citing “personal reasons” but offering no further explanation. A source familiar with the party told BBC Wales that concerns about a Facebook account in Roberts’ name had emerged prior to his withdrawal. An internal review was reportedly conducted, leading to Roberts being replaced as candidate by Gaz Thomas, who has since employed Roberts in a political advisory role.

Numerous offensive posts attributed to Roberts’ account have been seen by BBC Wales, though none are currently public. Examples include racially charged jokes about flooding in Pakistan, derogatory remarks criticizing the ethnic background of a Plaid councillor, and explicitly anti-Muslim comments targeting political figures. A source close to Reform UK criticized the party’s vetting practices, highlighting the failure to identify such material despite Roberts having undergone previous vetting as a candidate. Reform in the Senedd has neither confirmed nor denied support for Roberts as a staff member but reiterated that they do not discuss internal hiring decisions. Requests for comment from both Roberts and Thomas have gone unanswered

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More