Charity director demands apology from Farage over uninvited Makerfield visit

Gemma Crompton, director of the Hamlet Wigan CIC charity, has formally requested an apology from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage following an unannounced visit by his campaign team to a cafe supporting young adults with additional needs. Crompton described the arrival of Farage, his entourage, security, and media crews as "intimidating and overwhelming," alleging that photographs and videos were taken without consent during a celebration for trainees who had attained their gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

The incident occurred while the cafe was holding a celebration for a dozen trainees. Crompton stated in a letter to Farage that the unannounced arrival of the large group created an atmosphere that staff, families, and customers found distressing. She requested a formal apology and assurances that no other organisation supporting vulnerable people in the borough would experience a similar situation during the campaign.

Reform UK defended the visit as a spontaneous, non-political stop for tea and toilet facilities. The party denied allegations of unauthorised filming, claiming that staff had voluntarily taken selfies with Farage and party candidate Robert Kenyon. In its response, Reform UK suggested the tone of the complaint gave rise to the impression that it was "politically influenced," contrasting this with their visit, which they described as made in good faith.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was present at the cafe and is the prospective MP for Makerfield, condemned the visit as "out of order." Burnham, a long-time supporter of the charity, criticised the conduct of the entourage, including a Daily Mail journalist, for intruding on the private event. He stated that if those involved had any decency, they would now hold their hands up and apologise.

Lee Anderson, a Reform MP who was part of the group, expressed confusion over the complaint. He noted that Crompton had sat with the group, discussed the cafe’s challenges, and requested a selfie with Farage and Kenyon. Crompton later filmed a video from outside Buckingham Palace, contrasting Burnham’s solo, non-political visit with the "big party" from Reform UK, which she claimed began filming immediately upon entry despite her requests to stop.