The founder of a community group has asked Nigel Farage to apologise after the Reform UK leader and his entourage entered its cafe unannounced in what she said was an “intimidating and overwhelming” manner, and allegedly took photographs and videos without permission.
Farage was campaigning in Makerfield when he and his team stopped at a cafe run by the Hamlet Wigan CIC for a cup of tea and to use the toilets. The cafe supports young adult trainees with additional needs.
At the time, the cafe was holding a celebration for a dozen trainees who had attained their gold Duke of Edinburgh award. Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, who is running to be the MP for Makerfield, was present as a longtime supporter. In 2023, he gave a speech at the opening of its new buildings and said the Hamlet refers to him as “one of the family”.
Gemma Crompton, the director of the Hamlet, wrote to Farage saying: “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.”
Crompton wrote: “We are therefore requesting a formal apology regarding the way today’s visit was handled, alongside assurances that no other organisation supporting vulnerable people within the borough will experience a similar situation in future.”
The Reform MP Lee Anderson was part of Farage’s group and said they had visited the venue spontaneously for a “cuppa” and to use the toilet.
He added: “I am confused as to why the lady sent the letter, as she sat with us talking to us all about the cafe and the challenges it faces. She then asked for a selfie with Rob and Nigel and thanked us for the visit. We then left.”
Burnham had been accused of a “spiky” response to a Daily Mail journalist who was part of Farage’s entourage. The Mail report said Burnham “fumed” when approached in the cafe, saying: “You don’t go into a place like that unannounced. You’re out of order there.”
Burnham has supported the Hamlet during his time as mayor, and there is a photograph of him on the homepage of the Hamlet’s website.
However, Crompton said: “At no point was today intended to be a political event or a platform for campaigning.” She added: “We do not want to be drawn into political campaigning or political division of any kind.”
After Anderson’s response to her letter, Crompton filmed a video from outside Buckingham Palace, where she and the trainees had been celebrating the Duke of Edinburgh awards.
She said: “Andy turned up with no political agenda. He turned up on his own, with no cameras, no media crew with him.”
Of Reform, she added: “It was very overwhelming and a big party of a minimum of 15 people did come, walked into the cafe and started filming and taking pictures straight away. There was no consent given for using the Hamlet as a political environment and I don’t condone that at all. I asked for no pictures and media to be taken, once I knew they’d already started. When I turned away they continued to take pictures.”
Burnham said: “They were all out of order and, if they had any decency, would now hold their hands up and apologise.”
In response to Crompton’s letter, Reform UK said: “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.”
They claimed staff “took selfies” with Farage and the party’s candidate, Robert Kenyon, and denied that wider photography or filming had taken place. The party also said a number of young adults at the cafe had spoken to Farage and “shook his hand”.
Reform 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.”
