Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK and one of Britain’s most polarizing political figures, has officially launched legal proceedings against a man who recently accused him of racist bullying during their school days in the 1970s. The allegations, published by several outlets as coming from a “Jewish former classmate,” surfaced just as Reform UK continues to climb in national polls—timed, according to Farage, with suspicious political precision.
In a sharply worded statement released on Tuesday morning, Farage said the claims were “categorically untrue, entirely unsupported, and crafted with the sole purpose of damaging my reputation at a pivotal moment in British politics.” His legal team has now issued a formal pre-action notice demanding the accuser retract the allegations, prove his claimed identity and connection to Farage, or face a full defamation lawsuit in the High Court.
The controversy erupted last week when a man contacted several journalists and asserted that he attended Dulwich College with Farage and had been subjected to racist taunts and bullying during their early teenage years. Without providing documentation, academic records, or corroboration, the accuser nonetheless described his story as “long-buried truth” that needed to be exposed before Farage gained more political influence.
Farage’s opponents seized on the claims within hours. Critics characterized the story as part of a broader pattern of inflammatory remarks associated with Farage’s public image over the years, while his supporters immediately dismissed it as a transparent and desperate political hit job aimed at discrediting Reform UK’s rapid momentum.
Farage himself responded swiftly, appearing outside his office with a prepared statement and an uncharacteristically stern demeanor. “This individual has not demonstrated that he even attended the school at the same time as I did,” he said. “The allegations are not only false—they are malicious, strategically timed, and amplified by those who are terrified of the political shift happening across the UK.”
Observers note that Farage’s reaction has been far more forceful than in past controversies. Since re-entering frontline politics, he has been carefully constructing a more disciplined, statesman-like image for Reform UK, aiming to position the party as a viable long-term force rather than simply a protest movement. Any hit to his credibility—especially accusations involving racism—poses a direct threat to that strategy.
Sources close to Farage say he decided within minutes of reading the allegations that legal action would be necessary. His team reportedly spent the weekend verifying school records, alumni registries, and the timeline of events, concluding that the accuser’s claims were “so inconsistent and unverifiable that they collapse under even basic scrutiny.”
A Reform UK spokesperson added that Farage intends to pursue the case “to its fullest extent,” not simply to protect his own reputation but “to set a precedent against politically motivated fabrications.” According to the party, the next step will be demanding that social media platforms remove posts that amplify the allegations without evidence—an increasingly common battleground in modern political disputes.
Political analysts say the timing of the accusations is impossible to ignore. Reform UK has recently surged in local elections and national polling, displacing the Conservatives in multiple constituencies and drawing growing support from frustrated traditional voters. Farage’s message of anti-establishment reform, combined with deep public dissatisfaction with both major parties, has helped propel him into the center of political discourse once again.
“Any scandal tied to racism is extremely dangerous for Farage,” said one political communication expert. “His opponents know this. If the allegations were fabricated, it would not only be a malicious smear—it would be strategically brilliant from the perspective of weakening Reform UK at a moment of growth.”
For now, Farage appears intent on meeting the challenge head-on. At a rally in Nottingham the same evening, he addressed supporters directly: “If people want to debate me on policies, immigration, the economy—fine. But to invent stories from half a century ago, to masquerade as a former classmate, to weaponize one’s faith for political theatre—no. We are drawing a line. We are fighting back.”
The crowd erupted in applause, with many shouting “Sue them!”—a sentiment that mirrored the tone across Reform UK’s online base throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the accuser has not responded publicly to the legal notice and has provided no further evidence to support his story. Journalists who were initially contacted say the man refused to give his full legal name, citing “privacy concerns,” and became evasive when asked for school documentation or past photographs.
If Farage’s legal team proceeds with a defamation suit, the case could become one of the most watched political legal battles in the UK this year. Under British law, the burden will fall heavily on the accuser to prove the truth of his statements—something Farage’s lawyers believe will be impossible.
For Farage, the stakes are clear. He is not simply defending himself from an allegation; he is protecting the foundation of his political resurgence. “This will not be brushed aside,” he said. “This ends in court, or with a full retraction.”
As Reform UK continues to shake the British political landscape, one thing is certain: Farage has no intention of letting an anonymous accusation from 50 years ago derail the movement he is determined to build.
