Reform Senedd Advisor’s Social Media History Reveals Racist and Anti-Muslim Posts

A special adviser to a Reform UK politician in the Senedd has come under scrutiny after his social media history was found to contain numerous racist and anti-Muslim messages. Derek Roberts, who recently resigned as a Reform UK candidate for the upcoming Senedd election following internal party concerns regarding his Facebook activity, has now been hired by Reform UK’s Gaz Thomas.

The revelation has sparked questions about the party’s vetting processes. Roberts stepped down from the candidate list in the Pen-y-Bont Bro Morgannwg constituency—which covers Bridgend and the Vale of Glamorgan—in March. While Reform UK stated at the time that he had left for "personal reasons," sources close to the party indicated that concerns were raised about his online presence prior to his resignation. An internal investigation reportedly took place, and Roberts was subsequently replaced on the ballot.

BBC Wales has been provided with copies of dozens of offensive posts from Roberts’ private Facebook account, dating from 2022 to 2025. Although the posts are not publicly visible, they reportedly include inflammatory language and targeted hate speech. Specific examples cited include:

• September 2022: A series of racist jokes regarding floods in Pakistan, one of which utilized a racial slur against Pakistanis.
• July 2022: A post expressing support for far-right activist Tommy Robinson, accompanied by the comment: "Fucking Pakistani community AGAIN! Come on Tommy!"
• February 2023: A message discouraging Scotland from electing a Muslim leader, stating: "Scotland please don't let a Muslim be in charge of a political party in your Celtic country!"
• April 2023: A post criticizing former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, reading: "At last this vile man is getting kicked out of Scottish government! Remember one thing you were NOT elected by the Scottish people the same as the PM and the Welsh FM! Remember White, White White, dick head!"

Other posts targeted a Plaid Cymru councillor’s ethnic background and criticized Yousaf for being Muslim. Roberts has disputed claims that he was forced to stand down due to these posts, insisting he resigned voluntarily. However, he has not responded to requests for comment regarding the specific content of the social media messages.

Gaz Thomas, who replaced Roberts as the second candidate in the constituency, has also declined to comment on the appointment. Reform UK in the Senedd issued a brief statement saying, "We do not comment on our internal hiring processes."

This development follows a similar controversy involving Corey Edwards, who also withdrew from the same constituency list. Edwards had been accused of performing a Nazi salute in a photograph, though he cited mental health issues for his departure. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage suggested Edwards was impersonating the character Basil Fawlty, while Edwards’ statement mentioned impersonating a Welsh footballer. Despite the backlash, Edwards was also appointed as a special adviser to Welsh Reform leader Dan Thomas.

Had Roberts remained on the ballot for the May 7 election, he would likely have been elected as a Member of the Senedd. His appointment as an adviser to Thomas has raised further concerns about the political party’s adherence to ethical standards and candidate screening.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-06-03 16:02:45 UTC