ITV expose prompts Hounslow council to condemn Reform UK councillors
Footage of Adam Parkins and David Kerr making offensive remarks leads to calls for suspension and a formal council response
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ITV’s undercover operation filmed two Reform UK representatives on Hounslow Council, Adam Parkins and David Kerr, making statements that residents found offensive. The footage, aired in early July, shows Kerr suggesting parties must appear “palatable” to win votes, while Parkins urged colleagues to ignore public discomfort and focus solely on getting elected.
Council reaction
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Hounslow’s Labour leader Shantanu Rajawat responded on 29 July 2026, calling the remarks “shocking and disgraceful”. He added that the borough has a long tradition of tolerance and that elected officials should respect one another. Opposition group leaders, including Green group head Guy Lambert and Liberal Democrat councillor Roger Crouch, also voiced concern, saying residents would question the values of representatives who make such comments.
Hounslow has a proud history of tolerance and community. It is a place where we look out for, care for, and respect one another.
Shantanu Rajawat, Hounslow Labour leader
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A Reform UK spokesperson told the press that investigations have begun where members behaved inappropriately, and that some individuals have been suspended pending due process. The party said it has tightened vetting procedures but noted that it cannot predict future comments, especially when a participant is caught in an undercover interview. No confirmation was given about the status of Parkins or Kerr.
What residents can do
Residents who wish to raise concerns can contact Hounslow Council’s standards committee, which handles complaints about councillor conduct. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has already sought comment from the two councillors; further replies may be recorded in future council minutes. Until a formal decision is published, both Parkins and Kerr remain listed as Reform UK councillors on the council website.
Questions this report answers
+What did the councillors say in the ITV footage?
The video shows David Kerr saying parties must look “palatable” to voters, while Adam Parkins urged colleagues to ignore public discomfort and focus on winning elections. Both used strong language that residents found offensive.
+How has Hounslow Council responded?
Labour leader Shantanu Rajawat called the comments shocking and disgraceful, emphasizing the borough’s tradition of tolerance. Opposition leaders also criticised the remarks, and the council’s standards committee may review the conduct of the two councillors.
+Has Reform UK confirmed suspensions for the two councillors?
Reform UK said a number of councillors have been suspended after the ITV investigation but did not confirm whether Adam Parkins or David Kerr are among those suspended. The party said due process is ongoing.
+What steps can residents take to address the issue?
Residents can submit a complaint to Hounslow Council’s standards committee, which handles allegations of inappropriate conduct. They may also follow updates from the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which has already requested comments from the two councillors.
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