A senior member of Reform UK in Southampton has backed Nigel Farage’s comments over the murder of Henry Nowak.
Deputy group leader Philip Crook said the 18-year-old’s death had left people outraged and claimed Mr Farage was the only party leader to confront the issue head on.
After the sentencing of murderer Vickrum Digwa, police body-worn video from the night of Mr Nowak’s death was released.
This footage, which was published on Monday June 1, showed officers arresting the university student in his final moments.
The following day Reform UK leader Mr Farage said in an online video that the public should respond to the killing with “pure, cold rage”.
He said Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary’s treatment of Mr Nowak was proof of a “two-tier culture in this country”.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked Reform UK leaders in Southampton if they supported these comments.
Cllr Crook, who was elected last month, said: ”Nigel has shown yet again political leadership on a subject that others fail to deal with.
“People are outraged over the Henry Nowak murder and Nigel Farage was the only politician to stand in parliament to raise the issue of two-tier policing using the written evidence of the police race action plan.
“He was criticised for it although bother Starmer and Badenoch made political capital from it.
“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Henry’s family.
“Reform will always confront and challenge the issues other parties shy away from.”
On Tuesday, June 2, a large protest gathered outside Southampton Police Station.
The demonstration moved to Portswood and Belmont Road, where the murder took place.
Violent disorder broke out, with protesters clashing with police officers.
At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, June 3, Sir Keir Starmer accused Mr Farage of exploiting the death of Mr Nowak to create division.
Mr Farage said: “Apart from the upset and the anger at the circumstances of Henry’s death, the anger that was seen spilling out in Southampton last night is in danger of getting considerably worse if the public lose trust that they will be treated fairly by the police.
“Will the Prime Minister take some action, end this divisive practice of two-tier policing, and make sure that all British citizens are treated the same?”
The Prime Minister said he did not believe there was two-tier policing in the UK.
He said Mr Farage’s appeal for rage had gone against the request of Mr Nowak’s family, who asked for his death not to be exploited.
Sir Keir said: “That is his response to a father who has lost his son and asked for that not to happen.
“Exploiting this tragedy to create grievance and division would be wrong in any circumstances, but to do it when the family are expressly saying ‘please don’t’ is unforgivable.
“It shows exactly who he is.”
Digwa, 23, received a life sentence with a minimum term of 21 years in prison after being found guilty of murder.