Accusations of racism may hinder right-wing populist Nigel Farage's campaign to become Britain's next Prime Minister

Andrew Field recalls his south London school distributing a small blue booklet listing every student each year. He remembers one boy counting how many students had the English surname Smith versus the Indian surname Patel. When Patels outnumbered Smiths he ceremoniously burned the school roll in protest, Field told CNN. That student, remembered by Field as a pompous, isolated loner, would grow up to become a major figure in British politics: Nigel Farage.

Farage transitioned from a career in Londons commodities markets to serving for years in the European Parliament. He became a leading figure in the campaign for Britains departure from the European Union. Now 61, Farage leads the anti-immigration Reform UK party and is aiming for an even higher prize: the UK prime ministership. Polls suggest he would be a strong contender if an election were held tomorrow.

Field is one of about 20 former Dulwich College classmates publicly accusing Farage of racist and antisemitic behavior during the 1970s and 1980s. Farage has denied the allegations, first reported last month by The Guardian. However, as additional former students speak out, the controversy threatens to undermine his typically resilient political image.

Analysts say these accusations could hinder Reform UKs efforts to position itself as capable of governing a multi-ethnic nation of roughly 70 million people. Field, a doctor in Britains National Health Service, recalled multiple troubling incidents. He said Farage frequently gave Nazi salutes and goose-stepped, and targeted a nine-year-old Black student with racial insults.

One episode Field described occurred after he became a prefect. Farage, already a prefect, allegedly guided him in exercising his authority by arbitrarily putting an Indian student in detention. I was deeply shocked by that, Field said.

Peter Ettedgui, a former classmate now a film director, said Farages behavior was antisemitic. Once he knew I was Jewish, he would sneer, saying, Hitler was right, Ettedgui said, recalling that Farage sometimes added a hiss to imitate a gas chamber.

Farage has consistently denied these allegations. In a statement to CNN, he said: I can categorically say that the stories being told about me from 50 years ago are not true. He described media reports as an attempt to smear those discussing immigration issues. Farage previously admitted to saying some ridiculous things not necessarily racist things, depending on the definition.

Despite his denials, contemporaries like Field and Ettedgui insist the behavior was real and targeted. Field said Farages actions were most pronounced when he was 17 or 18 and held a prefects authority. Ettedgui described the abuse as directed and deeply personal venomous, leaving a lasting impression.

It remains uncertain if these claims will affect Farages chances of reaching Downing Street, with the next election not expected until 2029. Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, noted Farages ability to secure roughly 15% of the vote historically. Attracting moderate voters needed to expand Reform UKs influence may be more challenging amid these allegations.

Polling suggests that many white voters view Reform UK as racist, while ethnic minority support for Farage remains low. Nonetheless, Farage has avoided aligning with far-right figures and has welcomed ethnic minority members into his party, maintaining a relatively mainstream position on these issues.

Former classmates emphasize that both the allegations and Farages denials should concern the public. Ettedgui said, Its almost funny hes denying something widely corroborated, but its deeply upsetting because this man could be prime minister. Some alumni dispute the claims, while Farage allies suggest a political motive. Accusers insist their statements were made independently and aim to inform voters ahead of the 2029 election. For me, it boils down to something intensely personal: I dont want my school bully to become my prime minister, Ettedgui said.

Author's Opinion: The Long Shadow of the Past on Farage's Political Future

As Nigel Farage sets his sights on the UK's top political position, his past actions, particularly those from his school days, are resurfacing in a way that could jeopardize his ambitions. The recent allegations, ranging from racist to antisemitic behavior, have been brought to the forefront by a growing number of his former classmates. Though Farage vehemently denies these accusations, the weight of multiple testimonies and the nature of the claims could be difficult to ignore, especially given his aspirations to become prime minister.

While Farage’s political career has been defined by his outspoken views on immigration and his leadership in the Brexit campaign, the allegations from his school years threaten to complicate his political brand. Despite his denials, the nature of these accusations, particularly from those who knew him intimately, raises questions about his ability to broaden his support base. His party, Reform UK, is already viewed with skepticism by many ethnic minority communities, and the allegations only seem to reinforce those perceptions. Polling data suggests that while he holds appeal for a segment of the electorate, especially among white voters, his chances of expanding beyond that group may now be significantly hindered.

Farage’s dismissal of the accusations as politically motivated smears may not be enough to quell the growing unease surrounding his past. It is crucial to acknowledge the personal impact these allegations have on those who lived through them, such as Peter Ettedgui, who describes the abuse as deeply personal and venomous. These voices are not just recalling isolated incidents but painting a picture of a pattern of behavior that could have serious implications for Farage’s future in British politics. The 2029 election may still be years away, but the damage to his image could already be done.

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• Racism allegations could derail right-wing populist Nigel Farage’s bid to become Britain’s next PM