Watchdog looking at ‘potential concerns’ over soup kitchen charity Amazing Graze

A leading Reform UK member in Blackpool has hit back at claims the soup kitchen charity Amazing Graze, which he founded but no longer runs, has been using its premises for political purposes as a call centre for the party.

Watchdog organisation the Charity Commission says it is aware of potential concerns and is assessing information on the matter.

Mark Butcher, who is chairman of Reform UK’s South Shore branch, says that while a room above the charity’s Bolton Street premises has been used, it is available for any organisation to hire and is strictly separate from the charity itself.

He says complaints made about the issue are part of an attempt to discredit him, the charity and the Reform UK.

If follows posts on on the branch’s social media page advertising for call centre operators and seeking new candidates for the party. The postal address listed is 44 Bolton Street, in South Shore – the charity’s base.

Two years ago, complaints were made to the watchdog after Facebook posts showing Butcher shaking hands with Reform UK leader Richard Tice, with Reform UK publicity to the side, and inviting people to join him on the campaign trail.

Charity Commission guidance says charities can take part in political activity that “supports their purpose and is in their best interests”.

However, it adds that charities “must remain independent and must not give their support to a political party”.

Mr Butcher, who still helps out with the charity but is no longer a board member, said: “This is another move by political opponents to discredit me but it is really unfair to a charity which is doing good work to help homeless and vulnerable people in our community.

“Amazing Graze has helped a lot of people in Blackpool and I was even invited to meet King Charles to receive a Coronation Award back in 2023, because of the voluntary work with Amazing Graze.

“The fact is that Amazing Graze rents out an upstairs room which can be used by any legitimate person for their own use, and I paid £25 to rent it out, which is fully documented.

“The use of that room is nothing to do with Amazing Graze so the charity is not breaking any rules at all.”

Mr Butcher was recently a candidate at the Claremont by-election, representing Reform UK.

A spokesman for the Charity Commission said: “We are aware of potential concerns regarding political campaigning at Amazing Graze and are assessing information to determine if this is a matter for the Commission.

“We have previously engaged with the charity on political engagement and that will be considered in our assessment of these concerns.”

Amazing Graze was not available for comment at this time.