Sheffield politicians call for Reform UK to drop candidate for extremist views
Nathaniel Menday - a candidate in Woodhouse - admitted to have "flirted with what could reasonably be referred to as ‘far-right ideology’" but denies being antisemitic
Sheffield LibDem and Labour politicians have condemned a city council Reform UK candidate for what he admitted was “flirting with far right ideology” and called for the party to drop him.
The Times newspaper this week reported that Nathaniel Menday, who is standing as the Reform UK candidate in Woodhouse ward in the May 7 Sheffield City Council elections, made social media posts which included use of a symbol associated with neo-Nazis.
He called Nazis “real visionaries” and made comments in 2023 blaming Jewish people for anti-semitism directed at them.
He apologised in the newspaper for bringing Reform “into disrepute”, adding: “I am not anti-semitic nor do I have any Nazi sympathies.”
“I have flirted with what could reasonably be referred to as ‘far-right ideology’ but ultimately I have come to reject its core tenets,” Menday said.
Sheffield Liberal Democrats are calling on Reform UK to immediately sack Mr Menday as a candidate and withdraw all support.
A spokesperson said: “These revelations about Reform’s Woodhouse candidate are deeply disturbing. Promoting white supremacist symbols, calling Nazis ‘visionaries’, and blaming Jewish people for anti-semitism are the hallmarks of far-right extremism.
“Nigel Farage must immediately sack Nathaniel Menday as a candidate and withdraw all support. Residents in Woodhouse deserve better than a candidate who has openly described himself as an ethno-nationalist.
“Reform talk tough on their love of Britain, but they must now show they have no place for this in their party. These are not British values and the people of Sheffield will be watching.”
Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts said: “I’m absolutely appalled by this, it’s neo-fascism.
“Eighteen months ago I went to Auschwitz, I saw what the Nazis did there. The idea that they can can be called “real visionaries” I find absolutely abhorrent.
“This is no time in this country for people having views of this kind. I hope the people of Woodhouse show him the exit door on May 7.”
Mr Betts called for Reform UK to drop him as a candidate but added they are having to dismiss many candidates with similar views.
Sheffield council leader Tom Hunt said: “The comments by Reform’s candidate in Woodhouse ward that the Nazis were ‘real visionaries’ are appalling and sickening.
“It tells you everything you need to know about Reform that they have allowed this man to stand as their candidate and it isn’t an isolated case – it’s happening right across the country.
“Reform want to rip our communities apart. Their divisive far-right politics only bring chaos, cuts and division.
“Sheffield is a welcoming city of many communities, many faiths and many backgrounds. We are proud of our diversity and will always stand against racism and hate.
“On May 7, vote to reject hate and division. Vote for unity and a practical plan to get things done.”
Tom Hunt is standing for re-election in Walkley ward, which is contested by six other candidates.
Danny Allsebrook, the Labour and Co-operative candidate for Woodhouse and Handsworth ward, also called for Reform to drop their candidate.
He said: “I feel that the comments made by the Reform candidate are highly offensive and against the values our grandparents and great grandparents fought for.
I believe in a strong community which is built around the values of helping others, not creating division.”
Minesh Parekh, who is standing for re-election for Labour and Co-operative in Crookes and Crosspool ward against five opponents, said: “Sheffield is a proudly anti-fascist city.
“Our parents and grandparents volunteered to fight against Franco. They defeated the Nazis and the National Front.
“Anyone who thinks the Nazis were ‘visionaries’ or who embraces white supremacy is unfit to represent our city.
“Ours is a socialist city, and I know on May 7 Sheffielders will stand up against those who seek to divide us.”
Reform UK has been approached for comment.
There are seven candidates standing for election on May 7 in the Woodhouse ward.
The full list is:
ALLSEBROOK, Danny Alan, Labour and Co-operative
CARR, Dorne, Independent
CRAPPER, Joshua Andrew, Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition
MARSHALL, Willis James, Liberal Democrats
MENDAY, Nathaniel, Reform UK
NICKLIN, Hannah Kate, Green
WINSTONE, Steven, Conservative