Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Ukip race row: candidate David Wycherley describes Mo Farah as 'African'

The council candidate asked his Facebook friends why Mo Farah could compete for Team GB

Kashmira Gander
Wednesday 30 April 2014 11:31 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A Ukip council candidate has sparked a new racism row after he argued that British Olympic Champion Mo Farrah is “African”.

Adding to the seemingly endless race-related gaffes that are emerging from the party ranks in the run up to the EU election, David Wycherley reportedly wrote on his Facebook: “can somebody explain please….Mo Farah, an African from Somalia,who trains in America,has won a gold medal for Britain ![sic],” according to the Guardian.

The message was posted after Mr Farah, who moved to London as a child and grew up in the west London borough of Hounslow, won a 10,000m Gold for team GB.

In another comment, the Rushall-Shelfield ward candidate in Walsall reportedly joked about “starving Africans” whilst complaining about his water bill, according to the newspaper.

The revelation comes after now former council candidate William Henwood resigned as a Ukip member on Tuesday, after he suggested Lenny Henry should emigrate to a “black country”. The statement was in reaction to a campaign launched by the actor which aims to see greater representation for ethnic minorities across the British media.

Read more: Nigel Farage lacks courage
Ukip's 'Freepost' address is receiving bricks and party flyers
One third of Britons believe Ukip is a racist party
Ukip leader will not stand in Newark by-election

Mr Henwood’s resignation came as the party announced it planned to expel an English Defence League donor and former British National Party member.

However, controversies have failed to dent Ukip's soaring poll ratings which have put it on course to top the national poll.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in