Ben Goldsborough, the Labour MP for South Norfolk, has written to Reform urging the party to remove Karl Catchpole - chairman of South Norfolk Reform and its county council candidate for the Long Stratton division - from both roles.

In two posts in January 2025, Mr Catchpole described Enoch Powell as "one of the greatest visionaries of the last 50 years" and called for Tommy Robinson to be released from prison.

South Norfolk MP Ben Goldsborough (Image: Labour Party)

Mr Goldsborough's letter stated that Mr Catchpole's comments "go beyond what is acceptable or right" and warned that inaction would leave the impression that "Reform UK does not care about these fundamental British values".

Mr Catchpole has drawn criticism over his comment about Mr Powell, which were offered in response to a video which had asked whether the former Conservative was "racist" or "just right?”

Mr Powell was one of the most controversial politicians in British history and was sacked from the shadow cabinet in 1968 following his divisive Rivers of Blood speech which warned of racial conflict arising from Commonwealth immigration.

The posts have caused a stir online (Image: Supplied)

Mr Catchpole replied: “One of the greatest visionaries of the last 50 years along with the late, great Margaret Thatcher.”

He added: “Time to find, incarcerate and/or deport all those involved over the last 30 years in child rape. Hear it, see it, deport it.”

In a separate post in the same month, Mr Catchpole responded to a post which had asked whether Tommy Robinson, who was in prison for contempt of court, should be released. 

Mr Catchpole replied: “Yes he should be released. He’s a caring family man. Some would say a 'political prisoner' and this county has no place for political prisoners.

Mr Catchpole (right) standing here with fellow candidate David Bick (centre) and Alexander Ashmann (left) (Image: Henry Durand)

“We’re not Russia, China or North Korea to name a few that do this to their citizens that don’t follow the narrative. Release him now.”

Mr Robinson, who was eventually released from prison in September last year, has proved a headache for Reform, with the party frequently attempting to distance themselves from the controversial figure.

However these efforts have been thwarted of late, with posts having emerged from several candidates including Mr Catchpole which appear to endorse him.

Last week Reform warned that Richard Eminson, who is standing for the party in the county and council elections, could be suspended following the elections after posts surfaced where he called Mr Robinson an “icon”.

It has also been revealed in recent days that Julian Kirk - the leader of the Reform group at West Norfolk Council and the party’s candidate for Marshland North ward - shared a post from Elon Musk which had called for Mr Robinson’s release. 

The party has since said it is looking into Mr Catchpole's posts.

The candidate has been approached for comment.

© Norwich Evening News