Robert Jenrick turned the tables on ITV’s Robert Peston, challenging the broadcaster’s targeting of Reform UK and demanding to know why other parties were not receiving the same treatment.
Reform’s Shadow Chancellor accused ITV of setting out to attack the party, arguing that a lengthy undercover operation in any organisation would have produced similar results.
“If you sent dozens of investigative reporters, spent a million pounds and a year in any workplace, I suspect, dare I say it, on this show or on ITV, you would find a few bad apples,” Jenrick said.
Reform’s Shadow Chancellor accused ITV of setting out to attack the party, arguing that a lengthy undercover operation in any organisation would have produced similar results.
“If you sent dozens of investigative reporters, spent a million pounds and a year in any workplace, I suspect, dare I say it, on this show or on ITV, you would find a few bad apples,” Jenrick said.
“The reason this whole saga happened was because ITV wanted to have a go at Reform. There are bad apples in every political party. There are no more bad apples in Reform than there are other parties.”
Jenrick rejected Peston's claim that ITV held all parties to account: “When’s your investigation into the mysterious fact that 24 of the last 25 Conservative Party treasurers now sit in the House of Lords?”
The clash comes as Reform challenges the methods behind ITV’s Undercover: A Year in Reform, raising concerns about deception, possible electoral interference and staff security.
Reform has reported allegations to police, claiming an undercover reporter altered passport information to obtain employment at party headquarters and others engaged in unlawful paid canvassing. The Metropolitan Police and Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed they are assessing allegations. ITV denies wrongdoing.
Reform UK Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf said: “Journalists are supposed to report the news. These ones set out to create it.”
Yusuf accused the operation of seeking to demoralise Reform’s volunteers and employees and announced plans for civil proceedings.
Deputy leader Richard Tice alleged that an undercover employee sought access to Nigel Farage’s security and travel arrangements and party financial information.
Jenrick rejected Peston's claim that ITV held all parties to account: “When’s your investigation into the mysterious fact that 24 of the last 25 Conservative Party treasurers now sit in the House of Lords?”
The clash comes as Reform challenges the methods behind ITV’s Undercover: A Year in Reform, raising concerns about deception, possible electoral interference and staff security.
Reform has reported allegations to police, claiming an undercover reporter altered passport information to obtain employment at party headquarters and others engaged in unlawful paid canvassing. The Metropolitan Police and Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed they are assessing allegations. ITV denies wrongdoing.
Reform UK Shadow Home Secretary Zia Yusuf said: “Journalists are supposed to report the news. These ones set out to create it.”
Yusuf accused the operation of seeking to demoralise Reform’s volunteers and employees and announced plans for civil proceedings.
Deputy leader Richard Tice alleged that an undercover employee sought access to Nigel Farage’s security and travel arrangements and party financial information.
Tice challenged the use of selected conversations to tarnish the party.
“And of course, if you record hundreds of conversations undercover over a 12-month period using dozens of people, you’ll find people say some stuff that I wouldn’t say, agree with, or condone. That’s life. It’s called the real world.”
Reform has taken disciplinary action against individuals filmed making racist and sexist remarks. But Reform is demanding accountability from the broadcaster, too.
“We at Reform will not be stopped by this continuing assault on us”, Tice vowed.
“And of course, if you record hundreds of conversations undercover over a 12-month period using dozens of people, you’ll find people say some stuff that I wouldn’t say, agree with, or condone. That’s life. It’s called the real world.”
Reform has taken disciplinary action against individuals filmed making racist and sexist remarks. But Reform is demanding accountability from the broadcaster, too.
“We at Reform will not be stopped by this continuing assault on us”, Tice vowed.
