Reform UK Suspends Northumberland Councillor Over Alleged Online Threats to PM Starmer

John Allen, a Reform UK councillor from Northumberland, has been suspended from the party amid an investigation into allegations that he posted online comments threatening to kill Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The accusations stem from comments found on a YouTube account, @johnallen7807, which campaign group Hope Not Hate linked to Allen, citing posts that included statements like "I'd shoot Starmer myself if I had the weapon and opportunity" and "I can't wait to see Starmer swinging from a lamp post." Allen, a newly elected councillor and member of several local committees, has neither confirmed nor denied ownership of the account but has been suspended pending the party's internal inquiry. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has highlighted broader concerns about online death threats, challenging police to act against such threats, including those made against himself, pointing to what he describes as "two-tier" policing. The case reflects growing worries about violent rhetoric entering British political discourse, with other recent incidents prompting police action and party suspensions. Reform UK holds significant representation in Northumberland County Council, where Allen won his seat from Labour and Co-operative incumbent Ken Parry.