Reform UK Councillor Suspended Amid Allegations of Racist Social Media Posts

A councillor from Reform UK, James Regan, has been suspended while the party investigates allegations of racist social media posts related to the controversial migrant hotel in Epping. Following a ruling by the Court of Appeal that prioritizes the rights of illegal migrants over local residents, tensions have escalated, and Regan's inflammatory comments have sparked additional concerns.

Regan, 61, was elected to represent the Ongar ward on the Epping Forest District Council in May. He was seen participating in protests outside the Bell Hotel, which houses migrants, where he referred to it as a “paedophile babysitting centre.” The hotel has been the center of protests, with reports of violence occurring even prior to the court's decision on Friday.

In a series of posts on social media platform X, Regan made shocking statements, labeling Islam as an “evil criminal cartel of evil pedo’s” and implying that Islam would exploit the benefit system. Moreover, in a video recorded outside the hotel, he criticized the government for allowing what he called a “third world paedophile babysitting centre” to operate in Epping.

Regan also spread dubious claims about police actions, suggesting they were guiding a hostile counter-group toward local demonstrators, which Essex Police have denied. During a protest, he was filmed as demonstrators shouted questions at people of color believed to be employees of the hotel. His controversial language has raised alarms within the Reform party, prompting warnings from other councillors, including Jaymey McIvor, regarding the inappropriate nature of his comments. A spokesperson for Reform UK confirmed Regan's suspension, emphasizing that the party does not accept any form of racism. Efforts to reach Regan for his comments have been unsuccessful.