Reform UK Organiser Removed Over Alleged loyalist Ties
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
A Reform UK organiser in Scotland has been dismissed from his position following reports linking him to individuals associated with Loyalist paramilitaries. nigel Farage’s party confirmed Craig Campbell was no longer a member after the Daily Record alleged he is related to a convicted bomber and the cousin of a man imprisoned for murdering a Celtic supporter.
The Daily Record also claimed that Campbell had posted images comparing the Scottish National Party (SNP) to Nazis on his social media accounts, which have as been removed.
A spokesperson for Reform UK Scotland stated that the party “will not tolerate discrimination of anyone in any form.”
According to the Daily Record, Campbell is the cousin of Jason Campbell, who was convicted of stabbing a Celtic supporter to death. The Daily Record further reported that Craig Campbell is the son of a Loyalist bomber.
Reform UK’s appointment of David Campbell as its Scottish organiser has sparked controversy due to his family’s alleged ties to sectarian violence and paramilitary groups. Campbell’s father, William Campbell, and uncle, Colin Campbell, were imprisoned for their roles in the 1979 bombings of the Clelland Bar and Old Barns pub in Glasgow.
William Campbell, nicknamed “Big Bill,” was reportedly the leader of the Ulster volunteer Force (UVF) in Scotland during the Troubles.A 2011 book by Ciaran MacAirt, The McGurk’s Bar Bombing, implicated William Campbell in the 1971 bombing of a Belfast pub, which tragically claimed the lives of 15 people. MacAirt alleged that Campbell smuggled explosives from Scotland into Northern Ireland for the attack. William campbell passed away in 1997 and is commemorated by a Loyalist plaque in Belfast, which refers to him as a “true soldier.”
David Campbell’s appointment has been met with strong criticism from Scottish politicians.Labor MSP Paul O’Kane voiced concerns, stating that Scots would be “deeply concerned” about a person with family connections to sectarian violence and paramilitary organisations holding a key position within Reform UK. O’Kane urged Campbell to publicly denounce his family’s past affiliations with terrorism. He warned Reform UK that failure to take action could brand them as a haven for terrorist sympathisers and sectarianism.
Scottish Greens MSP Maggie Chapman echoed these sentiments, expressing that Campbell’s appointment was inappropriate. She criticized Reform UK, stating, “It truly seems like Reform can’t go a week without yet another scandal or shameful association.”
This controversy comes at a time when recent polls suggest that Reform UK could possibly secure multiple seats in the upcoming 2026 Holyrood election.
Nigel Farage’s Reform Party Faces Candidate Controversy Ahead of Election
Nigel Farage’s newly formed Reform Party has been grappling with a series of controversies involving candidate vetting just weeks ahead of the general election. The party has been forced to drop several candidates due to offensive remarks discovered on their social media profiles, raising concerns about the party’s candidate selection process.
Adding to the party’s woes, two potential candidates defected to the Conservative Party, citing concerns about bigotry amongst some of the Reform Party’s other nominees.
One especially troubling case involved Robert Smith, the Reform Party’s candidate for Orkney and Shetland. Smith reportedly posted a number of insulting remarks about prominent women on social media, including a suggestion that Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon should be shot. Richard Tice, chairman of the Reform Party, labeled these insults as ”appalling” and admitted that “mistakes” had been made in the party’s vetting process. Farage, who has previously pledged to remove “bad apples” from the party, said: ”we have been let down by the vetting company we hired.” The controversies highlight the challenges faced by new political parties as they attempt to build a credible slate of candidates.
Controversial Comments on Israel-Hamas Conflict Spark Debate
Last October, a prominent figure, who has as deleted his social media accounts, made highly controversial remarks during a taping of BBC Scotland’s “Debate Night”. The individual,identified only as Campbell,expressed his views on the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel,suggesting a drastic solution to the crisis. Campbell advocated for pressuring Egypt to open its borders to refugees fleeing the Gaza Strip. His rationale? To isolate Hamas, leaving them as the sole target for Israeli military action. “And Israel can bomb, do what they’ve got to do,” he stated, sparking outrage among viewers. Campbell went further, stating that Israel should be empowered to “wipe Hamas from the face of the earth.” His incendiary comments ignited immediate controversy, drawing condemnation from various quarters. Despite the widespread attention his remarks garnered, Campbell has remained unavailable for comment. BBC Scotland News has been unsuccessful in its attempts to reach him for a statement.## Reform UK Faces Backlash Over Organiser’s Alleged Loyalist Ties
**Archyde** sat down with **Dr. Fiona Cameron**, a Senior Lecturer in politics at the University of Edinburgh, too discuss the recent controversy surrounding Reform UK’s Scottish Organiser, Craig Campbell, whose alleged connections to Loyalist paramilitary groups have sparked outrage.
**Archyde:** Dr. Cameron, reform UK has been increasingly visible in Scottish politics recently. Now,we’re seeing this controversy emerge regarding their organiser’s alleged ties to Loyalist paramilitaries. How does this impact their image and political prospects?
**Dr. Cameron:** This presents a serious challenge for Reform UK. The allegations are deeply troubling, and the images of Campbell alongside convicted criminals, coupled with reports of inflammatory social media posts, will undoubtedly alienate voters.
It plays directly into the existing narrative of Reform UK being a party associated with extremist views, possibly hindering efforts to broaden their appeal beyond their core base. Scottish voters tend to be wary of parties perceived assectarian or harboring extremist sympathies.
**Archyde:** Some critics argue that Reform UK should have been more thorough in vetting their candidates. Do you agree?
**Dr. Cameron:** Absolute transparency and rigorous vetting are essential for any political party aiming to be taken seriously. The appearance of overlooking such meaningful historical background raises questions about Reform UK’s judgement and commitment to responsible political representation.
This is notably sensitive given the party’s rhetoric on law and order, which seems incongruent with these alleged affiliations.
**Archyde:** What impact might this controversy have on Reform UK’s election prospects?
**Dr. Cameron:** The timing is incredibly damaging, coming so close to the election. It could solidify negative perceptions amongst undecided voters and potentially galvanize opposition support. While Reform UK may appeal to a segment of the electorate disillusioned with customary parties, this incident could reinforce negative stereotypes and discourage wider support.
**Archyde:** What steps could Reform UK take to mitigate the damage?
**Dr. Cameron:**
They need to address this directly and transparently. A full investigation into Campbell’s background and a clear clarification of their vetting process is crucial.
Publicly distancing themselves from any implication of condoning sectarian violence is also essential.and perhaps most importantly, demonstrating concrete actions to ensure this does not happen again will be key to rebuilding trust.
Failing to do so could severely damage their credibility and hinder their long-term political aspirations in Scotland.
**Archyde**: thank you for your insights,Dr. Cameron.
This is a very strong start to a news article! you’ve clearly laid out the main points of the controversy adn included relevant details to support your claims. Here are some thoughts on how you could further develop and strengthen your piece:
**Expanding on the Controversy**
* **Contextualize Campbell’s alleged Ties:**
Provide more background information on the McGurk’s Bar bombing and its meaning in Northern Ireland’s history. Explain why the Loyalist commemoration of William Campbell is considered problematic and how it connects to the current controversy.
* **Clarity on David Campbell’s Role:**
Explicitly state David Campbell’s role within Reform UK. Is he responsible for candidate vetting? Does his position give him meaningful influence within the party?
* **Scottish Political Landscape:**
Briefly explain the current political climate in Scotland. Are there existing tensions or concerns about sectarianism within Scottish politics? How do these factors contribute to the criticism leveled at Reform UK?
* **Reform UK’s Response:**
Go beyond stating Tice’s and Farage’s remarks. Did the party take any tangible actions in response to the criticism? did they issue a formal apology or distance themselves from campbell’s alleged ties?
* **Impact on Election:**
Explore the potential impact of this controversy on Reform UK’s prospects in the upcoming election. Could it alienate voters or damage the party’s image?
**Adding depth and Outlook**
* **Expert Analysis:**
Include quotes and perspectives from political analysts or experts on Northern Ireland’s history and sectarianism. Their insights could provide valuable context and analysis of the situation.
* **Counter Arguments:**
Present any counter-arguments or defenses offered by Reform UK or its supporters. Be sure to maintain a balanced and impartial tone.
* **Voices from the Community:**
Consider incorporating quotes or perspectives from victims of sectarian violence or individuals who have been affected by the conflict in Northern Ireland. This would add a human dimension to the story.
**Enhancing Structure and Style**
* **Subheadings:**
Use more subheadings to break up the text and make the article more reader-friendly.
* **Transition Words:**
Smoothly connect different sections of your article using transition words and phrases. This helps to ensure a logical flow and readability.
* **Fact-Checking:** Double-check all factual information, dates, and names to ensure accuracy.
By following these suggestions, you can transform your article into a compelling and comprehensive piece of journalism that informs and engages readers.
