Named classmates accuse Reform UK leader of racist bullying, Nazi references and targeted abuse – Farage dismisses claims as “lies and smears”

NIGEL FARAGE is facing one of the most serious crises of his political career after more than twenty former pupils and a former teacher at Dulwich College accused him of sustained racist behaviour during his school years, according to an extensive investigation published by The Guardian.

The allegations explode into the public domain on the very day Farage arrives in Wales for a high-profile Reform UK rally at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, where he is due to address supporters from 6:00pm. What was intended to be a set-piece moment in the party’s Welsh campaign is now overshadowed by the growing controversy. Party insiders told the Herald that the timing is “deeply unhelpful”, with broadcasters expected to challenge Farage directly during his visit.

Dulwich College, one of Britain’s most elite public schools, charges more than £25,000 a year in fees and has a long history of sending pupils into the military, politics, journalism and the City. Founded in 1619, the south London institution is known for its strict traditions, academic reputation and its prominent Combined Cadet Force. It was within this privileged environment that former pupils say Farage expressed what one described as “openly extremist” views.

Named witnesses describe Hitler references and racist slurs

Several of Farage’s contemporaries spoke to The Guardian on the record, including:

• Peter Ettedgui, who says he was repeatedly targeted with anti-Semitic abuse
• Jean-Pierre Lihou, who recalled Farage saying “Hitler was right” and singing racist lyrics
• Andy Field, a former prefect, who said Farage’s comments were “jaw-dropping”
• Martin Rosell, who said Farage made repeated comments to Jewish pupils
• Bob Jope, a former teacher, who recalled Farage allegedly saying “shut up, you Jew” to Ettedgui

Their testimonies, gathered over several months, are unusually detailed and consistent.

One former pupil alleged that Farage would chant far-right slogans and use slurs aimed at Jewish, Black and Asian classmates. Another claimed he witnessed Farage sing lines such as “Gas ’em all… into the chambers they crawl” — lyrics he said were adapted from a George Formby melody.

Jean-Pierre Lihou said Farage would call Ettedgui “Jude” — the German term for “Jew” used in the 1930s — in a “menacing” way. Lihou also claimed Farage said “gas ’em” and “Hitler was right” in front of other students.

A number of former cadets told the newspaper that Farage would mock minority pupils during Combined Cadet Force activities, sing racist songs on CCF coaches and chant at Jewish pupils.

One former student said: “He was proud to be a racist at school. That was his shtick.”

Another said: “His behaviour towards cadets of ethnic background was no better than to those of Jewish religion. I remember the word ‘yid’ being shouted, sometimes several times in a row.”

A further pupil added: “My overriding memory is just nasty little s**t and a racist.”

Teacher says he removed Farage from lesson after alleged slur

Former teacher Bob Jope told The Guardian he remembered an incident early in his career in which Farage allegedly used an anti-Semitic slur towards Ettedgui. Jope said he ordered Farage out of the classroom immediately, saying he was too inexperienced at the time to handle such a confrontation more formally.

Farage denies all allegations

Farage has rejected every claim, calling them “false”, “politically motivated” and “a smear campaign”. He has insisted he has never expressed racist views and said his school years are being misrepresented by political opponents.

Reform UK has not issued any separate statement.

A political storm with national implications

The scale of the allegations, the number of named witnesses, and the level of detail published are unusual in modern political reporting. With Farage playing a central role in national debates, political commentators predict that the story will dominate the news cycle this week.

The Guardian’s investigation describes a pattern that, if proven, would represent some of the most serious allegations ever levelled at a major UK political figure.

Potential fallout in Wales

Political observers say the allegations could have a particular impact in Wales, where Reform UK has been trying to convert high polling numbers into solid electoral ground. While Farage retains a loyal core following, Welsh seats — especially in areas such as Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and the Valleys — are often decided by floating voters who are less tolerant of personal controversy. Senior figures in Welsh politics told the Herald that the sheer volume and seriousness of the allegations may harden views among moderate voters and damage Reform UK’s attempts to present itself as a credible, mainstream force ahead of the next general election.

Dulwich College declined to comment.