On Wednesday 20 May 2026, Mr Farage, Reform UK’s leader sparked a row after he arrived unannunced, along with candidate Robert Kenyon and members of Reform UK’s Makerfield byelection campaign team, at the Hamlet Wigan CIC community cafe
The boss of a community centre for people with special needs has sought an apology from Nigel Farage after she accused him and his team of creating an ‘intimidating and overwhelming’ atmosphere during an unscheduled visit.
On Wednesday (May 20), the Reform UK leader sparked a row after he arrived, along with candidate Robert Kenyon and members of Reform UK’s Makerfield by-election campaign team, at the Hamlet Wigan CIC community cafe.
The visit resulted in an exchange between Labour candidate Andy Burnham, who was attending a non-campaign event there and a journalist.
Disappointed about the unannounced visit
Gemma Crompton, the founder of the centre for adults with special needs, wrote to Mr Farage to express her ‘deep disappointment’ about the ‘unannounced’ visit.
In response, Reform UK said Mr Farage’s visit was a ‘completely ad hoc and non-political visit’.
A spokesman added that contrary to claims made by Ms Collins that filming and photography took place ‘[their] photographers took no photographs on the premises’.
Reform UK said the visit was ‘made in good faith and without political motivation’.
Gemma Crompton said:
I am writing to formally express my deep disappointment regarding the manner in which your visit, alongside members of the Reform Party team, was conducted at The Hamlet Wigan CIC this week.
That day marked a hugely significant and emotional occasion for our organisation as we celebrated our trainees receiving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.
We were also pleased to welcome Andy Burnham who has followed and supported The Hamlet since the beginning of our journey, whose attendance was entirely focused on recognising our trainees and celebrating the achievements of our community organisation.
Ms Crompton added that ‘at no point was it intended to be a political event or platform for campaigning’.
The letter continued:
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.
Organisations supporting vulnerable young adults should never be placed in a position where political leaders and campaign teams arrive unannounced with significant media presence and security personnel.
Ms Crompton alleged that filming and photography took place despite signs displayed in the café ‘requesting that no photographs or filming take place involving our trainees’.
The letter concluded:
We are therefore requesting a formal apology regarding the way visit was handled, alongside assurances that no other organisation supporting vulnerable people within the borough will experience a similar situation in future.
Reform 2025 Ltd reaction:
Replying to the letter, Reform UK said:
Having been in the area, Nigel popped into the café for a cup of tea and some food alongside Robert Kenyon – the councillor for the area.
Both appreciated the opportunity to meet with you, learn more about the organisation, and hear about the important work you carry out.
In light of this, we were surprised to receive your letter, particularly as the concerns you have now raised were not mentioned at any stage during your half-an-hour conversation with Nigel and Rob.
Had any concerns been raised at the time, we would, of course, have been more than willing to accommodate any requests or adjustments.
By Local Democracy Reporter Chris Gee.
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