Solihull Reform UK group leader Samantha Gethen has defended her actions after three of her councillors resigned following an undercover ITV documentary that captured racist comments, but she now faces accusations of 'gaslighting' the entire chamber from fellow councillors.
Undercover footage sparks crisis
Chris Whelan, Jamie Campbell, and Alan Feeney were all caught on hidden camera making racist remarks, with Whelan also recorded making misogynistic comments. The fallout from their resignations unfolded at an extraordinary full council meeting on October 19, which had to be hastily convened after a motion was brought forward to fill the vacant roles left by the three former members.
The motion listed 36 councillors, including all Conservative, Liberal Democrat, and Green members, as supporters. However, the names of Reform UK councillors were conspicuously absent. At the start of the meeting, Gethen, who had empty chairs beside her where Feeney and Campbell previously sat, announced she had brought forward an amendment.
“The amendment is to add our names to it,” she said. “I do support the motion. What was said by the three men was disgusting, I don’t agree with anything we heard. It has no place within our group. When it came to light I acted, they are no longer part of my group and have resigned. That is what leadership looks like.”
Clash over safety and accountability
Gethen went on to criticise fellow councillors for what she described as neglect in ensuring the safety of everyone in the chamber. “You have been neglectful in ensuring the safety of everyone in this chamber. To attack myself and the Reform councillors in the way you have put us all at risk, especially when you have not contacted us to sign this motion and leave us off it on purpose,” she said. “This has raised questions from members of the public wanting to know why we did not sign - the simple truth is we weren’t asked.”
Liberal Democrat group leader Councillor Ade Adeyemo responded sharply: “Coun Gethen, you have just gaslighted this whole room. For Jamie Campbell you said something along the lines of ‘it is only a small mistake’ - your group statement said that and you reposted it. To come here making a statement saying ‘we took action immediately' - it’s complete nonsense. You have been weak.”
Gethen replied: “I have taken action. With regards to Jamie there was an investigation. The issue there is the impact that the press, the comments from people in this chamber has on people. OK, he made a comment but the people here and out there need to realise he said certain words, but the words that went back to him are equally as bad. He had some horrific things sent to him and that is not right.”
Reform councillors fear being tarnished
Reform UK Councillor Sharon O’Connor voiced concern about the wider group being judged. “Their views were abhorrent, something that has no place in my world but I now fear I am going to be tarnished with the same brush. By excluding the Reform councillors from the right to also be able to sign the motion I believe you may be prejudging us,” she said.
Council leader Councillor Karen Grinsell responded: “At no point have we said all members of the Reform group are racist. Not once this week has any member of the Reform group stepped forward to make any comments. At any opportunity you could have come forward and said we want our names added.”
Conservative Councillor James Johnson added: “I’m struggling to understand why all three didn’t go immediately, how Mr Campbell remained as deputy of your group. You did not take action Coun Gethen - I think you should consider your position and resign.”
The amendment to add the names was agreed, and all councillors then voted in favour of the motion at the meeting held on October 19.
