Charity boss calls on Nigel Farage to apologise for ‘intimidating’ go to to cafe run by susceptible adults
Gemma Crompton, director of The Hamlet Wigan Community Interest Company (CIC), expressed ‘deep disappointment’ that Nigel Farage turned up unannounced with a massive entourage
Reform leader Nigel Farage with Robert Kenyon, Reform UK’s candidate for Makerfield, pictured on the campaign trail(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
A charity boss has demanded an apology from Reform for an “intimidating and overwhelming” visit to a cafe run by young adults with additional needs.
Gemma Crompton, director of The Hamlet Wigan Community Interest Company (CIC), expressed “deep disappointment” that Nigel Farage turned up unannounced with a massive entourage, including a camera crew, who took photos and filmed without asking permission. The cafe has clear signage warning that no pictures or footage could be taken of the trainees for safeguarding reasons, she said.
In a letter to Mr Farage, she said: “While we have absolutely no issue with individuals from any political background visiting the Hamlet, the unannounced arrival of your campaign team, accompanied by a large entourage, security presence, and media crews, created an atmosphere that many of our trainees, families, staff, and customers found intimidating and overwhelming.”
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She added: “Organisations supporting vulnerable young adults should never be placed in a position where political leaders and campaign teams arrive unannounced with significant media presence and security personnel.”
The Reform leader had been on the campaign trail with Makerfield by-election candidate Robert Kenyon when they stopped at the cafe.
But things turned ugly when a Daily Mail reporter travelling with Mr Farage approached Andy Burnham, who had been invited to a separate event at the centre. Mr Burnham, a long-time supporter of the charity, was there to recognise trainees who had competed their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
Mail journalist Christian Calgie reported that he went up to Mr Burnham to ask questions about the by-election campaign, but the Greater Manchester Mayor furiously told him off, saying: “You don’t go into a place like that unannounced, you’re out of order there.”
Mr Burnham accused the Mail of reporting a “partial version of events” and added: “They were all out of order and, if they had any decency, would now hold their hands up and apologise.”
In a response letter, Reform said the cafe did excellent work and insisted the visit had been cordial, with staff taking selfies with Mr Farage and Mr Kenyon.
“This was a completely ad hoc and non-political visit, and both appreciated the opportunity to meet with you, learn more about the organisation, and hear about the important work you carry out,” it continued.
“In light of this, we were surprised to receive your letter, particularly as the concerns you have now raised were not mentioned at any stage during your half-an-hour conversation with Nigel and Rob.
“Throughout the visit, they were met with a warm welcome, with you and other staff even taking selfies with Nigel and Rob. Rest assured that our photographers took no photographs on the premises.”
The letter added: “We must admit that the tone and nature of your letter unfortunately gives rise to the impression that it is politically influenced, unlike our visit which was made in good faith and without political motivation.”
