Reform UK has been criticised after MP Danny Kruger downplayed the party’s recent scandals as “second order issues”.
After leading in the opinion polls for more than a year, the party has slipped down to third place in recent months amid a series of crises.
A parliamentary probe is currently looking into a £5 million donation leader Nigel Farage received but failed to declare when he became an MP.
The Metropolitan Police is also investigating allegations the party broke foreign funding laws.
The party’s general secretary resigned this week amid concerns over the inadequate vetting of candidates, after an ITV sting operation which revealed the extreme views held by multiple would-be Reform MPs and councillors.
Speaking on Sky News, Reform MP for East Wiltshire Kruger said the party was undergoing a period “professionalisation” right now.
Guest presenter David Olusoga said: “I think a lot of people notice that not going very well.”
Kruger insisted that the party is being modernised and “preparing for government”.
Olusoga cut in: “But far more visible are the series of scandals.”
The senior Reform figure said: “Well, that’s because of the way you report them.
“That’s because the focus on the media is on I am afraid, I mean significant and important, let’s not disparage them, but very second order issues about local candidates who have said stupid and outrageous things that need to go.”
Olusoga replied: “No, I think millions of pounds coming into UK politics from wealthy donors is not a small issue but I am afraid we are out of time.”
Reform received a whopping £72 million donation from two crypto-billionaires earlier this year.
A Labour spokesperson responded to the interview by accusing the party of “drowning in sleaze”.
They said: “Major dodgy donation scandals involving millions of pounds in secret cash, serious racism allegations and repeat episodes of rank misogyny are not something Reform can just brush off or blame on others.
“Nigel Farage’s party is drowning in sleaze and scandal and the public can see Reform for exactly who they are – not on their side and only in it for themselves.”
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