Reform UK has sounded the alarm over a “serious threat” to Nigel Farage after a protester managed to breach security and unfurl a banner behind a senior party figure during its conference.
Deputy leader Richard Tice warned the security lapse at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre “could easily have been a bomb” as he raised concerns over the protection afforded to himself and Mr Farage.
The intervention came after demonstrators repeatedly disrupted Reform’s annual gathering, including Mr Farage’s keynote address.
Mr Tice was speaking on stage when protesters managed to display a banner behind him referring to multimillion-pound donations made to the party.
He told The Telegraph: “Police should be very concerned by the serious threat to me and Nigel as a result of the security lapse that allowed protesters to display a banner behind me when speaking, as this could easily have been a bomb.
“In addition, a masked Antifa thug outside the venue threw a rock at a delegate’s head.”
West Midlands Police has stressed that it had “no involvement in the delivery of the Reform UK party conference”.
Mr Farage separately claimed his keynote speech had initially been delayed following advice from counter-terror police.
When the Reform leader eventually took to the stage, his speech was interrupted on at least four occasions by protesters who stood up and heckled him.
The demonstrators were forcibly removed from the venue as clashes broke out with some delegates.
Footage from one confrontation appeared to show audience members pulling a female protester’s hair and grabbing her head.
A man also appeared to strike the woman with a walking stick as she was being removed.
West Midlands Police said “inquiries are continuing” into the incident and appealed for the woman to come forward.
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The force said it had not received a complaint.
Robert Jenrick defended delegates when confronted with the footage during an appearance on Sky News on Sunday.
He said: “We’re now in a country where somebody who is – whatever she is – a far-Left protester, goes into a party conference, tries to wreck the leader’s speech, and cries foul if a pensioner knocks her over the head with their Zimmer frame, I mean, come on, get a life.
“This person knew what they were doing. They were trying to cause trouble, and they probably got more publicity out of it as a result of what happened.”
Climate Resistance claimed responsibility for the disruption and criticised Mr Farage’s reaction as its activists were removed.
A spokesman said: “Nigel must take responsibility for the conduct of his supporters rather than celebrating assaults.
“It’s important that people can hold politicians to account without fear for their safety, and the appalling scenes yesterday must be unequivocally condemned.”
While senior Reform figures raised concerns about security inside the conference, the party praised police for their handling of protesters outside the NEC.
The party’s Home Affairs spokesman, Zia Yusuf, said he had written to the Chief Constable of West Midlands Police to thank officers for “courageously protecting us”.
Posting alongside footage of demonstrators clashing with police, Mr Yusuf said: “Their officers showed remarkable bravery in the line of duty when faced with Leftist violent thugs.
“I know I speak on behalf of all Reform attendees, and all decent people in Britain, when I express sincere thanks for their professionalism, valour and service.”
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