The Dark Alliances of Patriotism The recent Reform UK annual conference has sparked controversy after it emerged that Ryan Bridge, leader of the flag waving campaign group Raise the Colours, was given access to the event while on bail for allegations of racially and religiously aggravated harassment.
This incident is symptomatic of a more profound issue: the increasingly blurred lines between right wing activism and mainstream politics.
Reform UK's attempt to woo centre ground voters by courting extremist groups like Raise the Colours appears desperate, raising questions about the party's true ideology.