Reform cold calling public in bid to find ‘paper’ candidates for local elections

Guardian journalist among those to get surprise request, though Farage denies party are ‘begging’ people to stand

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Reform UK has been cold calling people asking them to become “paper” candidates for the party at the local elections, as parties dash to sign up enough names before Thursday’s deadline.

Nigel Farage’s party has been ringing members of the public asking them to stand despite apparently knowing very little about them except that they have signed up for Reform’s email updates.