PM’s Reform UK-Russia call unrealistic

KEIR Starmer has urged Nigel Farage to investigate possible Russian influence inside Reform UK after its former Welsh leader Nathan Gill, pictured below, was convicted of taking Kremlin-linked bribes.

- Peter Brown by email

But is it realistic to expect Mr Farage to lead such an inquiry?

His past praise of Vladimir Putin and appearances on Moscow-funded media hardly inspire confidence. A US congressman once called him “a Putin-loving, free-speech impostor and Trump sycophant”.

Reform UK is a new party, and Gill’s offending predates its formation. However, Mr Farage and Gill sat together as UKIP and later Brexit Party MEPs. Meanwhile, Reform-run councils have already faced controversies, which raises serious doubts about their capacity to investigate themselves.

Russian interference in UK politics is not a new concern.