Tory Chairman’s Controversial Tweet Comparing Reform to Nazis Ignites Widespread Debate

The political landscape in the UK has become increasingly contentious following a tweet by Tory Chairman Kevin Hollinrake. His controversial comparison of Reform UK to the Nazis has incited a fierce debate among party members and political commentators.

Context of the Controversy

On a recent Sunday evening, Hollinrake responded to a post by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage. Farage had showcased a gold Reform UK badge with a caption stating, “Coming soon,” accompanied by an emoji representing eyes. In his reaction, Hollinrake shared a screenshot from Wikipedia. This image depicted a Swastika badge awarded to early members of the Nazi Party in Germany.

Response to the Tweet

Although Hollinrake deleted the initial tweet, he later reposted the link to the Wikipedia page, continuing to draw comparisons between the parties. The response from Reform UK was swift and critical.

• Alan Mendoza, a senior advisor to Reform UK and recent defector from the Conservatives, condemned the comparison. He described it as a “disgraceful slur” and criticized Hollinrake for being “lazy and weak.”
• A Reform UK source stated, “If you vote Reform, the chairman of the Conservative Party thinks you’re a Nazi.”

Reactions from the Conservative Party

The Conservative Party’s internal reactions were similarly explosive. A senior Tory expressed disbelief, questioning whether the party truly equates Reform UK with the Nazis. Meanwhile, a Conservative spokesman dismissed Reform’s concerns, stating that the party should focus on grave issues rather than social media disputes.

Previous Accusations and Political Tensions

The tension between Hollinrake and Farage is not new. Earlier this year, Hollinrake had accused Farage of “Putin apologism” related to the Ukraine conflict. This accusation was brought up again when LBC presenter Lewis Goodall highlighted Farage’s past comments on NATO.

As political sentiments rise, the impact of Hollinrake’s comments continues to unfold. The backlash highlights the deepening rift within UK politics as parties grapple with similar historical controversies amidst a heated electoral climate.