Farage Supports Candidate Amid Salute Controversy
Reform party leader Nigel Farage has defended one of his party's prominent candidates for the upcoming May Senedd election after a photograph surfaced that appeared to show the candidate performing a Nazi salute.
The image features Corey Edwards, a former Conservative ministerial adviser, with his right arm raised and a finger positioned under his nose.
Farage acknowledged the image "looked terrible" and stated he "wouldn't approve of it," but confirmed Edwards would remain in the party.
The party leader explained that Edwards was impersonating Basil Fawlty, a character from the 1970s BBC TV series Fawlty Towers. Edwards’ own statement also referenced an impersonation of Welsh footballer Wayne Hennessey.
Corey Edwards previously served as a special adviser to Conservative Welsh Secretary David TC Davies.
He was announced as Reform’s lead candidate for Pen-y-bont Bro Morgannwg on Wednesday evening, positioning him to be elected if the party secures a seat in the Bridgend and Vale of Glamorgan constituency.
The origin and location of the photograph, initially published by Nation.Cymru on Thursday, remain unclear. Reform stated the photo was taken in 2019.
Explanation of the Photograph
Farage referred to an episode of Fawlty Towers where the character Basil Fawlty, while concussed, goosesteps and holds his finger to his nose in front of German guests.
In an interview with , Farage said:
"It was a Fawlty Towers impression. Maybe we should ban the BBC, I don't know."
When asked if Edwards would be expelled from the party, Farage responded:
"No. He's a human being."
He added:
"I get the point - it looks terrible. Things in isolation often do. I wouldn't approve of it."
Edwards’ Statement and Background
Edwards released a separate statement suggesting he was imitating both Basil Fawlty and Wayne Hennessey, the Welsh footballer involved in a 2019 controversy over an alleged Nazi salute, which Hennessey denied. The charge against Hennessey was found not proven.
Edwards said:
"A photo from many years ago has been shared that I recognise looks bad and could be misinterpreted.
There is a clear distinction between ordinary use of the appalling gesture, compared with me imitating a Welsh footballer's use of it, or indeed Basil Fawlty's walk."
He continued:
"The Nazi regime was the most barbaric ever, and I'd never make light of nor dilute its seriousness.
My dear grandfather fought against the Nazis and his brother-in-law was a prisoner of war. I'm a staunch champion of Judaism, and it sickens me to see the recent openly anti-semitic marches on the streets of Britain."
Like many young people, I have made mistakes. But I am proud of the person I am today and the values I stand for, and I hope that people judge me on the professionalism of how I conduct myself as a candidate and the contribution I can make going forward."
In a video posted on the social media platform X, Edwards stated the photograph "predates when I even started working in politics."
According to his LinkedIn profile, Edwards began his political career as a senior parliamentary assistant in the House of Commons from October 2019, later working for David TC Davies. Prior to that, he worked as a paralegal.
Party and Opposition Reactions
A Reform spokesperson said:
"We're not willing to write people off forever because of mistakes they made when they were young."
In contrast, a Plaid Cymru spokesman described the image as "utterly disgraceful" and stated Reform has "serious questions to answer regarding their vetting process."
Reform has recently criticised Plaid Cymru candidates over social media posts. One Plaid candidate, Neil Roberts, resigned after Reform highlighted a Twitter message in which he used an offensive term for children.
