Complaint
The appearance of Nigel Farage on the panel prompted a complaint that Reform UK received disproportionate coverage on the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ when measured against its record of electoral success. Β The ECU considered whether the programme met Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ standards on impartiality and the Election guidelines in force at the time of the broadcast.
Outcome
The starting point for determining overall levels of coverage for political parties during an election campaign is the number of votes cast in previous equivalent elections. However the Election Guidelines, published in advance of the campaign, make clear this need not be the only consideration. Reform UK did not compete in 2017 and 2019 but there was evidence of significant public support in a series of polls during the 2024 campaign and Reform UK put up candidates in 609 of the 632 constituencies.  In the ECU’s view this was sufficient to merit the attention paid to the party and its leaders, including the appearance of Mr Farage on this edition of Question Time
Not Upheld