By Basant El-Faramawy
A security guard who protected Reform UK leader Nigel Farage during the spring local election campaign has been jailed for eight and a half years for rape, raising questions about the party's vetting procedures.
Guard's Conviction and Campaign Role
Ryan Dinnage, 32, from Croydon, accompanied Farage on walkabouts in Llandudno, Waterlooville, Worthing, and Downham Market in April and May 2026. He had been charged in 2025 over an offence committed at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2022, when he raped a woman sleeping in a caravan. Dinnage was sentenced in July 2026.
Reform UK Response
Reform UK said Dinnage was supplied by a third-party contractor who had assured the party he had been vetted. A spokesperson said the party was "shocked and disgusted" and stopped using Dinnage as soon as it learned of the charge. The party declined to say whether it would continue using the contractor or take action against them.
Labour Criticism
Labour demanded Farage explain when Reform UK became aware of the charge and what steps were taken to prevent a recurrence. A Labour spokesperson accused Farage of "lurching from scandal to scandal" and cited a "track record" on women's issues.
Broader Security and Vetting Issues
Farage has relied on private security, funded by a £5m gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, after declining government protection. The case follows another vetting controversy involving the Conservatives, where former candidate Jack Ross, a consultant in Kemi Badenoch's office, was filmed appearing to discuss hiring contract killers. Ross is under investigation, and Scottish police are reviewing an Al Jazeera documentary featuring him.
