Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on campaign trail as he visits Harlow Town Centre
News / Fri 17th Apr 2026 at 03:52pm
THE LEADER of Reform UK, Nigel Farage came to Harlow on Friday afternoon.
The popular leader was on a whistle stop tour which took him through Waltham Abbey, Epping, Dunmow and Harlow.
Security was very tight for the Clacton MP who is hoping that Harlow and Essex become Reform run councils.
As you can see from our film, Mr Farage attracted a great deal of attraction.
We spoke to him about his hopes for the election on May 27th, employment, health and division.
Students from Harlow College, were very keen to get their selfies taken with him. He stopped to talk with members of the public and shop workers. Even a religious preacher.
It wasn’t a totally warm welcome (see our film) as a number of members of the public said exactly what they thought.
Mr Farage had members of his press team and councillors from across Essex with him.
The chair of Harlow Reform, Scott Hegley met and spoke to him as did Mark Hall councillor Paul Jago.
Strangely, just one of the eleven Reform councillors who is standing for election to Harlow District Council was present.
We thought we would also publish part of the walkabout in order to get a sense of the occasion.
Boris
2026-04-17 16:48:19
I agree with his comments about youth unemployment. I also think that benefit claimants should be made to work for their benefits, something not even Reform seem willing to address. Does anyone really doubt that the current system is broken, the events surrounding Mandelson seem to confirm that, sadly. Unfortunately, for me, Reform have too many redlines including failed torys
Norm
2026-04-17 16:50:13
If I'd known he was coming I'd have brought the megaphone. I've got some words for him and the damage he's done to this country.
Facts
2026-04-17 17:13:33
Boris you do realise that state pension is considered a benefit, so those numbers are included in the overall numbers of those claiming. So when you see inflammatory headlines, remember 13.2 million of those people claiming are that of state pension and those mainstream rags are owned by billionaires who have their own political and financial agendas.
Mike
2026-04-17 17:23:42
I saw local Reform leader Scott zHegley in one of the films. He has come out of hiding!!! Maybe he was checking with his boss what are the plans for Harlow. Maybe he will finally reply to Yvonne as he promised. Watch this space or Will Scott go AWOL again?
Saarah
2026-04-17 18:00:09
I presume he never went further into town than the waffle house, lest he have a picture taken with the Harlow regeneration boarding as a backdrop? I’m glad I wasn’t there, it was bad enough having the misfortune to be at the hospital when Boris Johnson visited
A
2026-04-17 19:46:07
I do not even like Reform or Farage, but I urge people to consider the fact Harlow Conservatives were ok with these elections not going ahead. As the many Labour led councils that also did not want 2026 local elections to go ahead, the decision was a cynical political move to maintain power, no consideration at all for our right to vote and choose our representatives. Please look at all the options before deciding who to vote for.
Anymouys
2026-04-17 20:11:37
Go back to where you f**** came from Clacton trailer trash
David Forman
2026-04-17 20:23:34
Did Farage have any comment on his deputy Richard Tice owing the tax man £120,000?
Carolyn
2026-04-17 20:33:44
The only serious contenders in this election are Dan Swords local Conservatives. The others : Reform, Labour and Greens have no vision, no skills and no relevant experience to carry this through. The can only derail the progress being made.
Cunny Funt
2026-04-17 21:23:33
I’m surprised your Harlow did not edit out the man at 0.50 swearing. That’s great journalism right there It was absolutely hilarious.
Tomsk
2026-04-17 21:31:52
If only I'd known he was going to be in town, I would have asked him about Refoms plans for the NHS, and and how much we could expect to be charged to see a GP, or for cancer treatment if Reform ever get into power (God help us).
Tomsk
2026-04-17 21:42:27
Watching the film, it was interesting to see Reform councillor Jaymey Mcivor. Apparently he is involved with the protests at the Bell Hotel under the guise of "protecting women & children". Not sure how that fits with his activity of allegedly sending unsolicited photos of a certain part of his anatomy to a female colleague before he was thrown out of the Tory party??
Scott H
2026-04-18 00:24:28
It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm of local shoppers today to the visit of Reform UK Leader Nigel Farage MP. Even after he had left students and others were still arriving and disappointed to have missed him. I wonder if Kemi Badenoch or Keir Starmer would arouse anything remotely comparable.
Mike
2026-04-18 02:40:04
Hey Scott, why don't you cut out your bullshit and stop grovelling to your Reform boss and publish an answer Yvonne's questions about setting our Reform's specific plans for Harlow Council, how these improve on those of Dan Swords administration and what skill sets you have for this. You promised a same day reply, but in 6 days .... nothing! You should know this stuff instantly, unless of course you have no plans. You are also showing you have word either.
Graham
2026-04-18 03:13:18
will vote for Reform in the General Election but in these local elections, it has to be Dan Swords and the local Conservatives, who are doing an amazing job in Harlow. National and local are separate. Don't get confused.
Laura
2026-04-18 03:32:52
Scott H (Hegley) is the local Harlow Reform leader, who doesn't even live in Harlow. He admits, by his own omission, that Reform are clueless as to any policies for Harlow and if in control would reap chaos like the Reform councils in Kent, Northamptonshire and Durham where they have almost weekly resignations, expulsions and infighting whilst increasing council tax despite promising to freeze it. Harlow is visibly improving, we don't need these amateur misfits on our council
Notma
2026-04-18 03:43:11
Is this guy and some of you for real? Benefits are not the same amount of money as working - unless you work for under minimum wage!
Julia
2026-04-18 04:31:34
A rather unpresentable, inarticulate youth knocked on my door, reputedly a candidate from Reform in Harlow, standing as a candidate for the Kingsmoor and Sumners Ward. When I asked him a couple of questions as to Reform's plans for regeneration and Council Tax he replied gruffly that he would have to check it but that it was probably explained in the leaflet ( which it wasn't). To say I was unimpressed is an understatement. If this is representative of the calibre of Reform's candidates in Harlow then God help us.
Wendy
2026-04-18 05:03:15
Scott H (Hegley) is the local Harlow Reform leader, who doesn't even live in Harlow. He admits, by his own omission, that Reform are clueless as to any policies for Harlow as despite his promise he has failed to present Reform's plans for Harlow. If elected they would reap havoc like the Reform councils in Kent, Northamptonshire and Durham where they have almost weekly resignations, expulsions and infighting whilst increasing council tax despite promising to freeze it. Their administrations are chaos. Harlow is visibly improving and we don't need these unprepared amateurs on our council.
Gary Abbots
2026-04-18 05:58:44
Nigel chatting outside of the aptly named "Waffle".
Chris
2026-04-18 07:42:52
Well said man on video at 50s ’Fxxxing racist scum. Refugees are welcome’. Could’ve mentioned how clever Brexit was, what a great job his friend Trump is doing in world affairs, how competent Reform have proven running Kent Council. Frustrated with mainstream parties? Then vote Green! This grifter is exploiting poor people’s concerns to gain power for the rich.
Yvonne
2026-04-18 08:12:38
SCOTT HEGLEY, LEADER OF HARLOW REFORM UK. THIS IS MY THIRD ATTEMPT TO REACH YOU. Our exchange is below where on the 13 April I posted requesting you to set out Reform's policies for Harlow and you promised to reply that same day. To date, despite chasers you have not delivered nor kept your word. This reflects very poorly on you and your party. QUOTE " Yvonne 2026-04-13 12:33:02 Scott Hegley can you list very succinctly what are Reform's specific plans for Harlow that are different from Dan Swords administration and in fact an improvement as your election literature is a complete muddle mixing national apples with not many local oranges. E.g . Under the local conservatives we have: 1. Acquired sites for regeneration 2. New market in market square and restaurant bar area 3. New council homes already built and to continue with Harlow homes for Harlow families 4. Continued freeze of Harlow element of Council Tax 5. New M&S store and David Lloyd negotiated and new shops. 6. Joint venture Regeneration partnership with Hill Group 7. Underpasses CCTV and new murals 8. Rebuild park Banstand and new free concerts 9. Revamped splash parks and children play areas. 10. New night club in Town centre. Etc, etc. So it is simple write down your list as to what you plan and what skills your team has to deliver. Your leaflets provide no clear details. Shouldn't be too difficult for you. At the moment, both Tecorm and Labour look like non-starters. A list please. Thanks" UNQUOTE To which you replied shortly thereafter: QUOTE "Scott H 2026-04-13 14:11:04 Yvonne - I am rather pushed for time at this moment but will be delighted to answer your challenge in detail as you request, a little later today. Best wishes, Scott" UNQUOTE Please provide the promised reply.
Boris
2026-04-18 08:20:25
Notma, my view is that benefit recipients should work the number of hours x min wage to equate to their benefit. Facts, I doubt many people would view state pension as a benefit given that there is an element of contribution to it, and that it recognises that older people may be less able to work.
Alex
2026-04-18 08:21:36
Blimey Yvonne, three times you have had to chase this. It sounds like Reform locally in Harlow are a bunch of right liars and con artists. This Scott Hegley sounds like a very dodgy character. I bet he still doesn't reply. Too scared.
Maureen
2026-04-18 08:29:17
I have read the post by Yvonne and her exchange with local Reform leader Scott Hegley. Quite honesty, if party leader or any candidate cannot answer such basic questions in an instant, they are clearly not up to the job. This appears to be the case with Reform in Harlow, who are certainly not prepared to run this town.
John
2026-04-18 09:15:25
It is all very well bringing Nigel Farage to Harlow for whistle stop visit, and going on about national issues, but this is not a pantomime. Running Harlow effectively is a serious and painstaking business not a photo op for social media. Reform are showmen not effective administrators at the local level. They are no match for Dan Swords and his team. Harlow is advancing. Let's not screw it up.
Scott H
2026-04-18 09:27:34
The level of democratic discourse we see from some on here is disappointing. However, we’re not concerned with the impotent rage of a few internet trolls, but rather are standing to give voice to large parts of our communities ignored and neglected by Lab/Con for too many years. In response to those asking what we stand for locally, I refer you to our launch article last weekend or the tens of thousands of leaflets going through doors as we speak. We are being very clear with voters - but if you want a good laugh then look to Labour’s vacuous offering (just see their ‘launch’ piece on here by Cllr Griggs which tells you everything and nothing all at once). Alternatively clap along to Cllr Swords’ shopping spree politics; easy to play the far-sighted the saviour when you’re spending tens of millions in taxpayers’ funds while selling off Harlow’s family silver to the delight of property developers. Not only has Reform fought for and won back Harlow voters’ right to choose their councillors this May, but we’re offering a choice to voters at last providing an alternative to the same old ‘more of the same’ parties.
Pat
2026-04-18 09:32:11
The idea of swapping Dan Swords for Reform's Scott Hegley has to be the biggest joke since Keir Starmer said Peter Mandelson was a trustworthy guy!!
Yvonne
2026-04-18 09:34:38
Dear Scott, please answer my questions as you promised. I posted them above for ease of reference. Surely, it is not too much to ask. Yvonne
Yvonne
2026-04-18 09:37:07
Scott your launch and leaflets do not address the questions! Hence the reason I asked them. Not too difficult.
Martin
2026-04-18 09:39:24
Scott you assert that the local conservatives are "selling off the family silver". Could you be more specific and give an actual example? Genuinely interested to learn.
Malcolm
2026-04-18 09:44:50
Scott you are clearly very far out of your depth when trying to grasp local council finances. Maybe you should ask your Reform Councillor Paul Jago who silently voted for the local Conservatives budget in February. How can Reform vote for the budget and then oppose it without any clear reasons or explanations. Do you honestly expect to be taken seriously?
ScottH
2026-04-18 09:49:37
Martin - post office car park, currently the bus terminus. Earmarked for Hills Groyp to build 169 flats.
Fernanda
2026-04-18 09:49:52
Reading through this post, it seems that the biggest fantasist and troll is Reform's Scott Hegley, who has no stomach for scrutiny of Reform's non-existent plans for Harlow. He and his team are just sailing on the back of Reform's national coattails. In their own right they are hopeless and offer nothing of substance.
ScottH
2026-04-18 09:52:04
Malcolm, Dan Swords was Mr Halfon’s office junior, no financial experience. We have a range of talent including business owners and budget holders.
ScottH
2026-04-18 09:53:41
Fernanda - willfully ignorant comment. I refer you AGAIN to the information sources I mentioned. Thanks
Mike
2026-04-18 09:53:49
Above, Reform leader for Harlow, Scott Hegley says: "but we’re offering a choice to voters at last providing an alternative to the same old ‘more of the same’ parties." Well Scotty boy, as Yvonne has asked several times, can you actually spell out details of this wonderful elusive 'alternative' Reform is offering? After all, you said it!
ScottH
2026-04-18 09:55:14
Pat - no swapping. Dan Swords’ seat not up this May and I am not standing in the district election.
Martin
2026-04-18 10:02:12
Scott, do you know the commercial terms? I don't but I would expect a private residential development would be more lucrative to the Council than a car park. Furthermore, the Hill Group is a joint venture partner with Harlow Council, so how do you know if this will not a joint venture development with Harlow Council involved? I don't know. So far you have not provided and example of Dan Swords administration "selling the family silver". Would you like to try again?
David
2026-04-18 10:08:17
Scott H if your local team has such talent and experience you are doing a first rate job of concealing it. Unlike Reform UK Dan Swords is not a 'one man band' and has a highly experienced team with senior backgrounds in business, finance, commerce, management. The difference is that we know he and his people can do, whereas we only have your word for your lot and judging by your exchange with Yvonne, we know what is worth!
Pat
2026-04-18 10:22:37
Scott we know that and know that you can't stand as you don't live here. However, my point was metaphorical and seems to have gone over your head. You are no match for Dan Swords was the point.
Jonny
2026-04-18 10:56:04
Scott you are totally wrong regarding the post office car park. It is Harlow Council that is building the flats and it is not selling the land. You really do need to do your homework otherwise you risk looking a right plonker.
ScottH
2026-04-18 11:35:19
Jonny, 50/50 deal with Hills Group
Jonny
2026-04-18 11:57:41
Yes it is a partnership!!! Don't you read anything? As has been said do you think a 50% in 169 apartment rental portfolio is likely to be less profitable to the council than a car park. If so, you should be in straitjacket and kept as far from this council as possible!
Colin
2026-04-18 12:23:34
Scott if I were you, I would give up. You are just digging a deeper hole and embarrassing yourself showing how unsuited and unprepared Reform is to run Harlow Council. Plus you don't even have any policies. You are as bad as Labour! Useless!
Paul
2026-04-18 12:28:19
Vote for Harlow Reform for a bunch of flag waving numpties!
Mark
2026-04-18 12:36:09
It will be interesting to see how many of the Reform candidates pass the councillor candidate DBS checks. I heard one of their candidates in Harlow was kicked out for using his council computer to view porn sites. Just the sort of guy to represent us. Maybe Scott H can enlighten us.
Notma
2026-04-18 12:58:56
Boris , so you expect people to work for under minimum wage do you? That’s exploitation and unrealistic. Do you live with a magic silver spoon or something because reality isn’t like that , working should mean having a decent lifestyle, not having to watch every penny. Also, where do you propose all these jobs are going to come from? Harlow used to be a thriving town with a plethora of jobs, there is hardly anything here now. Usually the most people on benefits are disabled in some way, do you expect disabled people to drive your bus with a neurological condition? Are you really that ignorant?
Valerie
2026-04-18 14:01:13
Scott Hegley, you are coming across as a total bullshitter. You don't know your facts and have no clear plans.
KG
2026-04-18 15:43:37
Graham you have it spot on...folk must remember this really is about local issues yes some will be affecting it but if thats the case and if folk dont trust the other parties then vote nationally for Reform..... every vote matters for Dans team.. and d never vote Tory at the GE
Maureen
2026-04-18 15:47:42
I don't vote Tory, but in these local elections I will vote the local Conservatives who under Dan Swords are carrying the torch for Harlow. All the others are just talk. Dan is action and we are all seeing the much needed improvements to our town.
Boris
2026-04-18 16:08:35
Notma, my comment made it clear, work the number of hours at min wage to cover your benefits. Have you ever employed people or recruited-someone in a job is always more appealing than someone who has been out of work. Where do the jobs come from-we create them. We can employ people to pick up rubbish or tidy the garden areas. We can get them doing jobs for people unable to do so themselves or teach them. We can open youth clubs. People say Harlpow is run down, well this could improve the town, it could boost people's self esteem, it could improve their chances of "proper" employment. And the beauty of it, it costs next to nothing extra because we are already paying for the cost. Notma, I agree working should lead to a better life, one of the reasons it doesn't always is that taxation has consistently increased. You asked if someone with a neurological condition should drive a bus, I suspect not but that seems a rather odd comment. But having a disability shouldn't mean a person can't do any work. I employed a guy with a disability for over 30 years. Since he stopped working for me he hasn't done anything-screwed by the politicians, and perhaps people like you, who thought he should be on a minimum wage rather than recognise he couldn't compete with more able people. But paid by the state to do nothing
Steve
2026-04-18 17:19:00
Dan Swords and his team are the only show in town for these local elections. They are doing a fine job. Let's not rock the boat when it is steering the right course.
Mr George
2026-04-18 18:06:30
Man on the bike - legend.
AB
2026-04-18 19:15:16
Farage is allied only to the billionaires who fund Reform Ltd. He is a wrecker, andmag etc for the failed politicians who enacted 14 years of 'Austerity' cuts.
GA
2026-04-18 21:49:29
Scott. Voters are asking what you stand for locally, pointing them to leaflets instead of actually saying it just looks like dodging the question. And pivoting straight to Labour this and Tories that isn’t a plan either, it’s just the usual “everyone else is rubbish” line. If Reform is meant to be the alternative, then spell it out plainly. What are you actually going to do differently in Harlow? That’s what people are trying to get at.
Morag
2026-04-18 22:13:50
GA you hit the nail on the head. Scott Hegley, who promised to present specific policies has vanished. We can only conclude that he has no plans and as you say, Labour this and Tories that, without actually setting out their stall. Maybe they don't have a stall.
Carolyn
2026-04-19 08:45:08
Scott Hegley has been shown to be a liar and an incompetent. Voting for him and his unprepared Reform candidates is just madness.
Leave a Comment Below:
58 Comments for Reform UK leader Nigel Farage on campaign trail as he visits Harlow Town Centre: