Security guard who protected Nigel Farage on campaign trail was facing rape charge
A security guard who accompanied Nigel Farage on the Reform UK election campaign trail was later jailed for eight years after being convicted of rape, raising serious questions about vetting procedures.
These walkabouts took place in Llandudno, Conwy County; Waterlooville, Hampshire; Worthing, West Sussex; and Downham Market, Norfolk.
He had been charged in 2025, three years after the crime took place. Thames Valley police reported that the offence occurred in the early hours of May 16, 2022, when Dinnage entered the caravan where the victim was sleeping and raped her.
Party Response
Reform UK acknowledged Farage was provided with protection by Dinnage, stating his services had been supplied by a third-party contractor who had assured them he had been properly vetted. A spokesperson for the party said: "As soon as we found out, we were shocked and disgusted and he ceased to be used by Reform." However, the party did not answer further questions about whether it was continuing its relationship with the third-party contractor or what action was taken against them.
Nigel Farage must urgently explain at what point Reform UK became aware that they allowed a man charged with rape to directly interact with the public on their behalf. They must also urgently make clear what action they have taken to prevent such a situation happening again.
Security Context
Farage is generally accompanied by a large security team and has spoken of threats against him. The man accused of murdering Ann Widdecombe has been charged with engaging in conduct in preparation of acts of terrorism, including against Farage. Over the summer, counter-terror police reopened a year-long investigation into an alleged firebomb attack at Farage's home in south London.
The Reform UK leader has repeatedly said he accepted a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne to pay for his security for the rest of his life. He has previously turned down taxpayer-funded security from the government, which included a bodyguard, a car, and a trained driver, deeming it inadequate.
Broader Concerns
Reform is not the only party facing scrutiny over vetting failures. The Conservatives were criticised by Reform UK for having employed former election candidate Jack Ross, who was filmed by an undercover reporter appearing to discuss the cost of hiring contract killers. Ross had worked as a consultant in Kemi Badenoch's office.
Ross was filmed apparently asking an undercover reporter: "What do you want done?" and offering to "broker" the services of an alleged far-right paramilitary group. Police in Scotland have said they will be reviewing an Al Jazeera documentary in which Ross was filmed seemingly making a range of comments about what a contract killer could be employed to do, and talked about using far-right groups to create disruption on the streets.
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