Reform defends selection of Bangladeshi candidate

The leader of Reform UK in Portsmouth has hit back after the party was criticised for selecting a Bangladeshi man to stand in next year's city council elections.

Addy Mo Asaduzzaman, 23, who has indefinite leave to remain in the UK, was announced as the candidate for the Central Southsea ward on Monday.

But on social media, some followers criticised the decision saying "non-brits should not be allowed to stand, and Reform should not be endorsing this".

Councillor George Madgwick, who moved to the party in July and is now the group leader in the city, said the comments were "frankly disgusting" and the abuse was "appalling".

Mr Asaduzzaman came to the UK on a student visa and according to his Facebook profile studied a Masters in electronic and electrical engineering at the University of Portsmouth.

He told the BBC he was proud to call Portsmouth his home and as a "legal resident had worked hard to build a life here".

He said "I find it insulting to see people breaking into the UK and immediately being put up in free accomodation, receiving allowances, working illegally and accessing free education while I have done everything the right way."

But on social media, his selection was heavily criticised with comments including: "This is why Reform is not the solution to fixing our countries [sic] problems. No foreigner should hold any position of power in this country."

Some also said they were reassessing their support for Reform.

Another online comment said: "I don't want foreign born people standing up for their native community in the UK."

Madgwick has answered many of the comments and said: "This is the kind of migration we want, people who pay to come here, who are educated, who work full time and pay taxes, people who integrate and help the community."

He said he believes the selection reaffirms the party is the antidote to the "far right".

People who are not British citizens are permitted to stand as a councillor or MP if they are an eligible Commonwealth citizen who does not need leave to enter or remain or they have indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom.

Portsmouth City Council elections take place in May 2026, with a third of seats up.

The Central Southsea seat is currently held by Labour.