Reform defends selection of Bangladeshi candidate

The leader of Reform UK in Portsmouth has defended the party’s decision to select a Bangladeshi candidate for next year’s city council elections after criticism on social media.
Addy Mo Asaduzzaman, 23, who has leave to remain in the UK, was announced on Monday as Reform’s candidate for the Central Southsea ward. Soon after, some online commenters objected, claiming that non British nationals should not be allowed to stand for public office and accusing the party of betraying its values.
Councillor George Madgwick, who joined Reform UK in July and now leads the group on Portsmouth City Council, called the remarks “frankly disgusting” and said the abuse aimed at the candidate was “appalling”.
Asaduzzaman arrived in the UK on a student visa and, according to his Facebook profile, completed a Masters degree in electronic and electrical engineering at the University of Portsmouth. He told the BBC he is proud to call the city his home and said he has “worked hard to build a life here” as a legal resident.
He added: “I find it insulting to see people breaking into the UK and immediately being put up in free accommodation, receiving allowances, working illegally and accessing free education while I have done everything the right way.”
His selection nevertheless drew criticism from some Reform supporters online, with comments such as: “No foreigner should hold any position of power in this country,” and, “I don’t want foreign born people standing up for their native community in the UK.” Some users also claimed they were reconsidering their support for the party.
Madgwick responded to many of the posts, saying: “This is the kind of migration we want. People who pay to come here, who are educated, who work full time and pay taxes, people who integrate and help the community.” He said the choice of candidate shows Reform UK is an alternative to the far right.
Under UK law, non British citizens may stand as councillors or MPs if they are eligible Commonwealth citizens who do not need leave to remain or if they hold indefinite leave to remain.
Portsmouth City Council elections will take place in May 2026. The Central Southsea ward is currently held by Labour.