ITV Exposure features controversy of Wellingborough Reform councillor who ‘signed up’ to white supremacist dating site
The controversy following the discovery that a Wellingborough North Northants Reform councillor had ‘inadvertently’ signed up to a white supremacist dating site is set to be featured in an ITV documentary tonight.
In January 2026 an undercover reporter who had started working inside Reform’s national press office recorded conversations including between Reform officials discussing Cllr Gavin Beales after three local MPs called for him to be suspended.
Gen Kitchen (MP for Wellingborough & Rushden), Rosie Wrighting (MP for Kettering) and Lee Barron (MP for Corby & East Northamptonshire) raised ‘grave concerns’ about NNC leader Martin Griffiths’ ‘lack of action’.
At the time Cllr Gavin Beales, (Brickhill and Queensway) said he could ‘not recall the details’ of how his profile appeared on dating site WhiteDate.
Exclusively for white people, the site talks about the survival of the white race, while promoting multiple Nazi publications.
The allegation concerning Cllr Beales came to light after an investigation by The Observer published on January 11 this year using evidence from German hacker Martha Root from the WhiteDate site.
ITV Exposure’s programme shows reaction inside Reform HQ as the complaint from the Northamptonshire MPs comes in to the press team.
Brushing off the criticism, one says ‘It’s a visual thing’, likening the white supremacist site to others.
They can be heard to say: “You get Muslim dating sites, Christian dating sites, black dating sites, Jamaican dating sites. Yeah, it’s not great, but like it’s not a resignation issue is it?”.
Defending him, colleagues in the county described Cllr Beales as ‘a lovely lad’, adding that they didn’t believe he had ‘a racist bone in his body’.
At the time Cllr Beales said: “I am an introvert by nature and, like many people, have found it difficult at times to connect and form relationships.
“When I moved to Wellingborough from London over a decade ago, I didn’t know anyone locally and used mainstream dating sites in an attempt to meet a partner, like millions of others. I would still very much like to meet someone and hope one day to become a father.
“It appears that around seven years ago I may have inadvertently been linked to another site. If this occurred, it would have been for a very short period of time and without a paid subscription.
“Given the time that has passed, I cannot clearly recall the details. However, in light of what is now known about the nature of the site, I would never have knowingly chosen to be a member or to associate myself with it in any way.
“Throughout my life, living in different parts of the UK, I have met and worked alongside people of different ages, backgrounds, skin colours and religions. I abhor racism in all its forms. In my role as a councillor, I aim to help everyone to the best of my ability, without prejudice or discrimination.
“Since becoming involved in politics and working closely with local residents and fellow councillors, my confidence has grown significantly. I genuinely enjoy my role as a councillor, attending meetings, holding surgeries and representing people on ward and council matters. I am privileged to meet many wonderful people through this work.
“It saddens me that something so minor, from so long ago, can be presented in a way that distracts from the work I do for families and communities.”
In January a statement issued by Reform UK said they had reviewed the matter ‘fully’ and was satisfied there was ‘no case to answer’.
It said: “Cllr Beales has provided a clear and consistent explanation and has been unequivocal in his opposition to racism in all its forms. He continues to serve residents fairly, respectfully and without prejudice.
“The party now considers this matter closed and will not be taking any further action.”
On Friday, a spokesman for North Northants Council Reform UK said: “The circumstances concerning Cllr Beales were addressed at the time, and our position remains unchanged.
“The wider matters raised by ITV concerning the party's internal procedures and candidate vetting are matters for Reform UK nationally.
“We have nothing further to add at this stage.”
ITV Exposure – Undercover: A Year in Reform is on Sunday, October 18, at 10.20pm on ITV1 and ITVX.