A Reform UK councillor who works for the Home Office handling asylum and immigration cases has been suspended from his position amid an ongoing investigation, CuriosityNews has learned.
Paul Bean, the councillor for Crook ward at Durham County Council, listed his employment as a civil servant in the Home Office in his register of interests.
Authorities are examining whether Bean may have violated the civil service code, which mandates impartiality and prohibits civil servants from letting personal political views influence their decisions or advice.
His employment details came to light after an inquiry by the organization Hope Not Hate, which identified social media posts criticizing asylum seekers on an account they allege belongs to him.
One post stated: “I work as an asylum decision maker for the HO [Home Office] and I can tell you with authority that 93% of asylum seekers to the UK are men between 18-35 and 92% of them are refused asylum.” It added: “The truth is the vast majority of asylum seekers are actually economic migrants abusing the asylum system.”
Official data, however, indicates that nearly half of asylum claims are successful, with additional approvals granted on appeal.
A separate post claimed: “97% of asylum seekers are lying about persecution in their home countries, and the other 3% have been credible to the point of being believable. Source: me. Guess what job I do.”
Other content on the account contained derogatory remarks about women and criticized Reform UK, accusing Nigel Farage of "submitting" to Islam and disparaging working-class supporters.
Bean has also been suspended by Reform UK, though it remains unclear whether this was due to his comments about Farage and the party or other posts. The party did not provide a response to inquiries.
A spokesperson for Durham County Council stated: “Under current regulations, Cllr Paul Bean remains a councillor representing Reform UK until the party confirms his membership has ended. Generally, suspensions are a neutral measure pending investigation. Until then, he will continue in his committee roles, and his status on our website remains unchanged.”
Amanda Hopgood, leader of the opposition at Durham County Council, remarked: “This matter should be thoroughly examined to ensure transparency. I welcome the Home Office’s involvement.”
Bean was among 65 Reform UK councillors elected to the council in May, giving the party a significant majority, surpassing the combined numbers of the Liberal Democrats, Greens, independents, Labour, and Conservatives. Previously, the council had been led by a coalition of Labour, Liberal Democrats, and independent members.
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