According to Metro - Main, a video recorded at The Picture Palace in Braintree shows the manager refusing service. Wetherspoon's spokesperson said in a statement: "Wetherspoon welcomes supporters of all political parties. In fact, the leaders of Reform have regularly used our pubs in Clacton and Skegness. Politics can obviously raise strong emotions, and we have asked all parties to use our pubs on a social basis, rather than a political one, to maintain good order and comply with licensing obligations. In this case, enthusiastic Reform supporters were filming outside the pub and parked their bus in the pub's loading bay. As indicated, Reform supporters and other political supporters are welcome."
Separately, Reform UK has raised concerns about postal delivery. Nigel Farage shared a post on Tuesday about a postman who allegedly binned election flyers for the party, calling it 'disturbing'. In a post on social media, Farage wrote: "It is right that @RoyalMail has launched a full investigation into this allegation. If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself." A legal representative for Reform UK sent a letter of complaint to Royal Mail CEO Alistair Cochrane.
I’ve decided, yes.
Royal Mail confirmed it had launched an investigation. A spokesperson said: "We play a crucial role in elections. We take our responsibility very seriously and do not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail. We are investigating this allegation and remain committed to impartial delivery for all candidates."
The allegation originated from a post in a private Facebook group for Royal Mail staff called Royal Mail Chat, in which an employee wrote: "My DO had reform party's D2D today. I dumped them all in a bin. They can sack me! Idgaf!" Reform UK has demanded that Royal Mail conduct an internal investigation within three days.
It is right that @RoyalMail has launched a full investigation into this allegation. If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself.
It remains unclear what specific reason the manager gave for refusing service, and whether Wetherspoon will take disciplinary action. The outcome of Royal Mail's investigation is also pending, and it is not known how many incidents of postal workers discarding political leaflets occur during election periods.
We play a crucial role in elections. We take our responsibility very seriously and do not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail. We are investigating this allegation and remain committed to impartial delivery for all candidates.