Suspended Reform UK Lancashire councillor says he accepts WhatsApp messages are "genuine"
Tom Pickup, formerly of Reform UK, was suspended over messages referring to immigration
Last updated 20th Nov 2025
A senior figure in the ruling Reform UK group on Lancashire County Council, suspended from the party over leaked WhatsApp messages, has said he accepts they are "genuine."
Tom Pickup, the lead member for finance and resources, agreed that his suspension was "the right thing to do."
Mr Pickup also told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he "looks forward to the facts coming out" in an investigation that has now been started by Reform UK.
The messages, about Reform UK's "hardline" stance on immigration, were published by X account Reform Party UK Exposed.
You can read more here.