Reform councillors' comments 'disgusting and embarrassing'

Residents across Solihull have described racist comments made by Reform UK councillors as "disgusting", "embarrassing" and "scary" after the fallout from an ITV undercover investigation.

The broadcast showed councillor Alan Feeney telling undercover reporters that his ward has been "infested" with Asian families, and called them "absolute parasites".

But conversations on the streets of Castle Bromwich, Shard End and Shirley revealed something more nuanced than simple outrage.

While some condemned the language used by councillors, others raised concerns over how their communities are changing and the impact the scandal has had on Solihull's reputation.

Among those shocked by the controversy was Tracey Branscomb from Shard End.

She told the BBC: "I was shocked really that people in a position of authority would say these sorts of things. Some of the things are outlandish and shouldn't even be out there for people to hear.

"I'm embarrassed. Who's to say who can live wherever? I'd like to think if I went somewhere else I'd get the same welcome.

"I don't believe someone in a position of power should have those kind of thoughts. It's quite scary. Where I live is very much everyone in together. It's a diverse place. It shouldn't be a them and us thing in this century."

Her comments came after footage emerged of Feeney's remarks which ultimately led to his resignation.

For many residents, the revelations were surprising given Feeney's long-standing presence in local politics.

Before arriving in Solihull, he had built a reputation in Worcester as an approachable councillor who was active in community life.

He acted as toastmaster at cultural events involving people from different faiths and backgrounds and was master of ceremonies during a visit by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

During covert recordings captured by the undercover reporter, Feeney appeared to predict what would happen next.

"We'll all be in the papers," he told colleagues.

He was elected to both Birmingham and Solihull councils in May, having originally been elected as a Conservative before defecting to Reform UK.

Feeney was due to become Solihull's deputy mayor and was expected to take on the mayoralty next year.

While many local residents described the comments as offensive, some also spoke about concerns over the pace of change in their communities. One resident, speaking anonymously, summed up that unease bluntly: "We don't want to become Alum Rock," an area with a predominantly South Asian community.

Further south in Shirley, Cal Verdy said the scandal had left him worried about the future.

"It's scary because you don't know what's around the corner. They're meant to lead by example," he said.

"You need to put yourself in the shoes of immigrants. It's all good pointing the finger and saying they shouldn't be allowed in the country, but if you were in that position how would you feel?

"My parents were immigrants. They came here with nothing, but we've worked hard.

"I'm worried Solihull could become seen as a racist area. There already is an underlying bit of racism, but I think that's going to come to the surface very, very fast."

Back at Solihull Council, political leaders have moved quickly to distance the authority from the controversy.

At an extraordinary council meeting, councillors from across the political divide condemned the remarks.

Former mayor Shahin Ashraf, told the chamber: "We are not a problem to be solved. We are here, this is home and we are not going anywhere."

Council leader Karen Grinsell added: "This isn't the council we should be" and "this is not what Solihull residents expect".

Following the May 2026 local elections, the Conservatives remained the largest party on Solihull Council with 24 of the authority's 51 seats, but fell short of an overall majority.

Reform UK emerged as the second-largest group - however, the party's position has since been weakened by a series of resignations and defections.

Reform won 17 seats in May but has since fallen to 12 councillors, while the three Castle Bromwich seats formerly held by Alan Feeney, Jamie Campbell and Chris Whelan are now vacant pending by-elections.

Reform UK said there was "no room for racism" in its party after the broadcast. A party spokesperson told the BBC it was pursuing legal action against ITV and the documentary's production company which had used undercover reporting to obtain its material.

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