Row between Blackpool North & Fleetwood MP and Reform UK chairman was frank discussion over political stances

A Fylde Coast MP has shared her ‘honest view’ and concerns that right wing politics - including what is promoted by Reform UK - is the enemy of the working class.

In what was described as a private discussion with someone she has known ‘for most of her life’, Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers said she was approached at a recent Remembrance Sunday service and offered an apology by Kevin Gray, the chairman of Reform UK Blackpool North and Fleetwood.

The frank conversation between two community members ended in a disagreement over their political stances and the exchange of words blew up on social media after Mr Gray posted on Facebook - backed by Mark Butcher who is chairman of Blackpool South Reform UK.

However, Ms Beavers dismissed the discussion and said it was a private conversation between two people who had a frank exchange of views.

Mr Gray’s post on social media sparked outrage but the pair spoke again the following day, shook hands, shared a hug and Mr Gray agreed to remove the Facebook post regarding the fall out.

In a full statement to The Gazette, Lorraine Beavers said: “On Sunday November 9, I attended a local event with my husband, who served in the King‘s Own Royal Border regiment. We have attended these events for many years alongside veterans, serving personnel, and community members from all political affiliations without issue.

“At this event I chatted with veterans and community members and sang karaoke alongside members of different political parties, including a local Reform councillor.

“For many years, I have also gone out and decorated the parade route in Fleetwood with event poppies for the Remembrance Parade.

“At the event, I was approached by a community member I have known for most of my life who stated that he wished to apologise as he was now the leader of a local Reform UK branch but that it was not personal against me.

“We then had a private conversation during which I shared my fears for the future of our country if the divisive politics promoted by Reform UK continues to rise. I gave my honest view, which is that right-wing politics, including what is promoted by Reform UK here and what is promoted by Donald Trump in America, is the enemy of the working-class.

“The following morning, November 10, Kevin and I had a lengthy discussion at his home. We agreed that our conversation had been a private discussion between members of a community that have known each other personally for many years.

“As I was leaving, we shook hands and shared a hug as Kevin agreed to remove the Facebook post which had misrepresented our conversation.

“I have been an active member of the Veterans community for decades as an army wife and mother.

“In parliament, I am continuing this work by fighting for the introduction of more robust veteran welfare checks that would prevent mental health decline.”

Wading into the debate in support of Mr Gray, Mark Butcher said: “Kevin says he was wearing his Northern Ireland service medal when Lorraine Beavers approached him.

“He says she called him a racist, a bigot and a fascist because he is involved with Reform UK.

“He stayed calm and offered to meet for a coffee. He told her he is not her enemy and her reply was you are my enemy.

“That is not how an MP should treat anyone. Nobody wants her to lose her job but she should publicly apologise.

“I’m flabbergasted and angry that a serving parliamentary official has insulted him.

“She is supposed to represent every constituent in her seat, not just the ones who agree with her.

“Kevin served his country. He has every right to get involved in politics without being spoken to like that.

The Gazette has approached Mr Gray for a comment.