Farage Faces Scrutiny Over Shifting Accounts of Alleged School-Days Racism
London - Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is under increasing pressure as discrepancies emerge between his and his representatives’ responses to allegations of racist behavior during his school years. A timeline of statements reveals a progression from outright denial to qualified admissions, fueling criticism as the UK moves closer to a general election.
The controversy stems from reporting by The Guardian, which has spoken to twenty individuals alleging instances of racial abuse by Farage while a schoolboy. The allegations date back approximately 49 years.
On November 19, 2025, following Prime Minister’s Questions where Keir Starmer challenged Farage on the claims, a spokesperson for Farage questioned the timing of the allegations. “Our statement was very clear that these allegations date back 45 years… why didn’t this come up before?” the spokesperson stated.When pressed on whether Farage believed the allegations were fabricated, the spokesperson responded: “I’m saying there is no primary evidence. Its one person’s word against another.”
Nearly a week later, on November 24, 2025, farage himself offered a different account in a broadcast interview. Initially, he denied racially abusing fellow pupils, stating, “No, this is 49 years ago… Have I ever tried to take it out on any individual on the basis of where they’re from? No.”
When repeatedly pressed for a categorical denial, Farage’s responses became more nuanced. “I would never, ever do it in a hurtful or insulting way,” he said. He acknowledged his inability to recall everything from his school days, adding, “Have I ever been part of an extremist organisation or engaged in direct, unpleasant, personal abuse… on that basis? No.”
Further challenged,Farage stated,”No,not with intent.” When the interviewer expressed confusion over the qualification,Farage retorted,”You wouldn’t.” he concluded by saying, “No.I have never directly, really tried to go and hurt anybody.”
