Labour MP Ben Goldsborough Demands Reform UK Expel Councillor Karl Catchpole Over Racist Social Media Posts

Labour MP Ben Goldsborough has formally requested that Reform UK expel Karl Catchpole, a councillor recently elected to Norfolk County Council, following the emergence of several incendiary social media posts. Mr Goldsborough, representing South Norfolk, characterised Mr Catchpole's online commentary as "disgraceful" and incompatible with the expected standards of political leadership.

One particular post from February last year, recirculated by Mr Catchpole, targeted David Lammy, then Foreign Secretary and now Deputy Prime Minister. The post alleged that Mr Lammy, identifying as Caribbean, was "looting us for his own tribe, in broad daylight" by arranging financial transfers from Britain to the Caribbean, likening him to "some corrupt African official."

Mr Goldsborough further highlighted a January 2025 post where Mr Catchpole lauded far-right figure Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson. Despite Robinson's imprisonment for contempt of court, Mr Catchpole described him as "a caring family man" and a potential "political prisoner," advocating for his release.

Reform UK, which currently operates a minority administration on Norfolk County Council, has offered no statement regarding Mr Goldsborough's demands or the content of Mr Catchpole's posts. Mr Catchpole, who secured the Long Stratton seat in May's local elections, has also refused to comment. He has since been appointed chair of the council's infrastructure and development committee.

Mr Goldsborough confirmed he has written to Reform UK requesting Mr Catchpole's expulsion but has received no response. Reform UK's council contingent recently decreased to 39 seats following a resignation due to ill health, with a by-election anticipated on 16 July.