Nigel Farage Confirms Reform Councillor Caroline Gladwin Reinstated During Isle Of Wight Visit

Nigel Farage has confirmed that Caroline Gladwin has been reinstated as a Reform UK councillor on the Isle of Wight Council.

Speaking to Island media during a visit to GG’s Bar and Restaurant on Monday evening (9 March),

Mr Farage said the party had concluded that allegations made against the Central Rural councillor were unfounded.

The Reform UK leader said:

“The whip was removed because some serious accusations were made against her.

"We’ve looked deeply into that, we think she’s been accused falsely and the whip’s been restored.”

Cllr Gladwin had the party whip removed on 4 February while an internal investigation took place.

Mr Farage admitted the party may have acted too cautiously when suspending her.

He said:

“We were, you might say, overly cautious in that situation. Let’s face it, all political parties have trouble with councillors. Hundreds of councillors change every year.

"This isn’t plain sailing.”

Mr Farage added that there had been “some controversy” relating to property lets linked to the councillor, saying she had been “accused of all sorts”.

He suggested Reform may have been “too harsh” in suspending her, adding the party is often held to a higher standard because it is challenging the political establishment.

“In this case, she got a rough deal from us but she’s back and everything’s fine,” he said.

Cllr Gladwin previously said she had been the target of a hate campaign following reports that she had received warning notices relating to the condition of a flat she rented out.

Seven of her rental properties were later listed on her public register of interests.

Cllr Gladwin has been approached for comment.