Reform UK's Lee Anderson caught parking his BMW 4x4 in disabled space
Lee Anderson, who defected from the Tories to join Nigel Farage's Reform UK, was seen getting into a silver car parked in a disabled bay in his Ashfield constituency.
Reform UK's Lee Anderson has landed himself in hot water after being snapped parking his BMW in a disabled parking space during his campaign activities.
Footage and snapshots have emerged showing the former Conservative, now representing Nigel Farage's Reform UK, parking in silver beamer in a disabled space at Huthwaite Market Place car park within his Ashfield constituency last Friday.
The images capture Mr Anderson stowing away a bag in the boot of his grey BMW X5 and taking off his jacket before he climbs into the driver's seat. Notably absent from the scene is a blue badge on the car's windscreen.
When asked to explain, Mr Anderson claimed he couldn't recall his exact whereabouts that day as he was "all over Ashfield on Friday at several different locations."
He insisted: "The only time I would deliberately park in a disabled bay in when I'm with my disabled wife", reports the Mirror.
However, the footage also reveals what seems to be a film crew joining him in the car, including one individual wielding a boom microphone.
Mr Anderson further commented: "I've been back to the site and ... there is no signage. The yellow paint on the floor has nearly all gone so it's not instantly recognisable as a disabled bay."
"I would never deliberately park in a disabled bay."
He reported the issue to the local council, urging them to install clear signage and repaint the bay properly.
Subsequent to the incident, about an hour and a half later, Mr Anderson uploaded a video to Facebook showing him and his team enjoying a "having a well-deserved break" at The Picture House, a Wetherspoons establishment a brief drive from the car park.
Last month, UKIP leader Nigel Farage sparked controversy after being photographed parking his car in a disabled parking bay for 45 minutes while shopping at Marks & Spencer.
In 2021, Mr Anderson posted on Facebook about a Zoom meeting he'd attended with the Conservative Party's disabilities group. He said they had "asked a series of questions about disabilities. It made me realise how ignorant I am."
He added: "One gentleman told me there are certain places he does not visit as there are no disabled toilets. I promised him I will raise this and I will. I obviously take too much for granted."
