Reform UK has repeatedly refused to explain why its leader Nigel Farage met and posed for a photograph with a group of far-right activists in December 2024. The group included a man subsequently convicted of a violent attack on an anti-racism meeting at a church which happened just two weeks before the Farage photo.

Byline Times chief reporter Josiah Mortimer has undertaken a full investigation. But Reform has failed to offer an explanation for Farage’s apparent readiness to hang out with people involved in violent intimidation.

Stephen Lynch, pictured alongside Farage in the photograph, was convicted in April 2026 at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court of assault by beating following the storming of a church in Aldershot on 5 December 2024. He was fined £1,000 plus costs. Three other men were also convicted over the incident.

Reform local election agent

Also pictured with Farage is Jeremy “Jez” Stocking, who is currently acting as a Reform UK election agent in Rushmoor in this week’s local elections. Stocking was present at the church attack but was neither charged nor convicted. He is a leading activist and moderator for Rushmoor People First.

The photograph, taken in a private office setting, was captioned online as a “Christmas drink” with Farage, strongly suggesting it was not a chance encounter.

Despite multiple approaches over 18 months, Reform HQ has declined to comment. The findings cast doubt on Farage’s claim last year that he has “done more to drive the far-right out of British politics than anybody else alive”.

The church meeting, organised by Stand Up to Racism, was disrupted by around 20 activists linked to Rushmoor People First, UKIP and Turning Point UK. UKIP leader Nick Tenconi, filmed leading the group inside, called those present “heretics” and “communists”. Jack Ross, not pictured with Farage but convicted over his role in the raid, describes himself as CEO of Turning Point UK.

Featured image via Byline Times

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