Reform UK takes out cover wrap on weekly ahead of elections
Party implores voters to 'get Labour out'
Reform UK has taken out a wraparound cover on a weekly newspaper ahead of this week's elections imploring voters to 'get Labour out.'
The current edition of the Abergavenny Chronicle features a stark front page message from the party ahead of Thursday's elections for the Welsh Senedd.
The front of the cover wrap, which also occupies the back page and two internal pages of the Chronicle, reads simply: “Vote Reform, Get Labour Out.”
Readers were divided over the move, with some criticising the Tindle Newspapers-owned title for "selling out" to the right-wing party while others said it was part and parcel of democracy.
Wales-wide website Nation.Cymru reported that residents in the Gwent town had been quick to share images of the cover on social media.
One poster wrote: "What a tawdry sight: local newspapers abandoning their remit to serve their local readers because a party backed by billionaires bought them out.”
Another added: "2/3 of funding of Reform comes from Christopher Harborne. Lives in Thailand, made billions from crypto. Where do you think the money comes from for front page adverts?"
Not everyone was against the cover wrap, however, with one adding: “It’s called a democracy if they want to put it out that’s fine if you don’t want to look at it then turn your head.”
The inside left page contains a personal message from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the party's Welsh leader Dr David Thomas in which they promises to cut taxes, control immigration and 'stand up for Wales.'
"Across Wales, people are turning to Reform UK because they know it’s time for change. A vote for Reform is a vote to take back control, cut waste, and deliver better services," they wrote.
Chronicle editor Liz Davies said it had been a "difficult few days" since publishing the wrap, with the newspaper taking "a good deal of criticism."
She told HTFP: "The wrap which appeared this week was a 'paid for' message from Reform and was clearly marked as such, and did not in any way represent the views of the publisher or the editorial team.
"All our publications are politically unbiased and we remain politically agnostic preferring to allow our readers to make up their minds as to where they cast their vote."In short, advertising has never and will never influence editorial integrity."While we have taken a great deal of criticism, abuse and threats from some parts of the community we have had equal levels of support from others who have recognised that an advert does not stand as an endorsement or represent the views of the editorial team."It's been a difficult few days with some abuse and threats being looked at by Gwent Police - but if any good has come of it, we have been left with an increased respect for politicians of all colours who are faced with these 'strong feelings' on a daily basis."Tindle Newspapers was recently acquired by a joint venture between Iliffe Media and the Fowler family which previously owned Scottish Provincial Press.
