Reform UK suspends councillor David Rowan over controversial posts

Reform UK has suspended Kirklees councillor David Rowan following the discovery of controversial historic social media posts. The remarks were brought to light by the campaign group Hope Not Hate.

According to reports, Rowan’s past comments include a 2019 response to a post regarding former House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, in which he wrote, “Hang the dwarf.” He also reportedly stated, “I don’t believe gays should have kids full stop,” and expressed support for far-right figure Tommy Robinson, writing, “Thommy [sic] Robinson I salute you for caring.”

Other unearthed posts included suggestions to “demolish London and turn Westminster into a Wetherspoons.” A Reform UK spokesperson confirmed that Rowan has been suspended from the party pending an investigation into the matter.