Reform UK defends Kirklees councillor who allegedly called immigrants '3rd world animals'

From the Newshound archive · first published 8 October 2026.

Reform UK has backed Tracy Clayton, a Kirklees councillor representing Colne Valley West, after a Facebook post attributed to her described immigrants as "invaders", referenced "gang rapes on the beach" and used the words "3rd world animals". Reform said she was "completely correct", while Reform Kirklees Council leader Sarah Wood declared that what is happening in Britain is "an invasion" that "many rational people" recognise. Four Labour MPs representing Kirklees constituencies condemned the alleged comments as "profoundly offensive, dehumanising and incompatible with holding elected office". The MPs warned the language risked making many residents "feel disregarded by the council that is supposed to serve them."

Reform Kirklees leader Sarah Wood stood by Clayton last week, calling the situation "an invasion" and defending the language as rational.