Nigel Farage's former protege challenges Reform deputy leader to debate in Dudley - and likens him to a 'cardboard box'
A former protege of Nigel Farage has challenged Reform's deputy leader Richard Tice to a debate in the Black Country - likening him to an 'empty cardboard box'.
Bill Etheridge, the former West Midland Euro MP who stood to succeed Mr Farage as Ukip leader, laid the challenge ahead of Mr Tice's appearance at a fundraising event for the Reform UK in Dudley next week.
The party is charging £15 a head for the event at Lower Gornal Royal British Legion, but Mr Etheridge - who also served as a member of Dudley Council said threw down the gauntlet to Mr Tice to take part in a public debate in the area. But Richard Tasker, chairman of Reform UK's Dudley branch, accused Mr Etheridge of being 'desperate for attention' following a 'failed political career'.
In a feisty video message, Mr Etheridge challenged Mr Tice: "Come to Dudley by all means, but when you come to Dudley, let's have a free public meeting.
"That's what we used to do in this area when we wanted people to listen to us, a free public meeting. Let's get ourselves an independent chairman, and let's invite the media .
"You can pack it with all of your supporters from the area.
"I am of the opinion you are an empty cardboard box of a politician, all labelling and packaging, and nothing inside.
"I'm of the opinion that and the leadership of your party are trying to sell people lies about what you can and can't do, and are using good people, many of whom I know, for your own aims - cynically.
"And why should you face me? Because, I was a former Ukip MEP in this area, you know, the people who did the hard work on Brexit, before you came along to claim the glory."
Mr Tasker said the event was a members-only fundraiser for Dudley Reform, a practice followed by most political parties.
"Bill Etheridge is desperate for any sort of attention following his failed political career. We’re sure when Mr Etheridge finally comes clean to the public about his motives, people will understand why he is creating such faux outrage."
Mr Etheridge, who was also councillor for Sedgley ward from 2014-2018, recalled in his autobiography how he was persuaded by Nigel Farage to stand for the role of West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner.
He joined the party in 2011 after meeting Mr Farage at a meeting of the eurosceptic Bruges group. He had previously been a Conservative, but resigned after being suspended for being pictured with a knitted 'golliwog' doll. He came third in the race to succeed Mr Farage following his resignation as Ukip leader in 2016. Mr Farage attended the launch of his book, Putting Great Back In Britain, in May 2017. Mr Etheridge left Ukip in October 2019, and joined Mr Farage's Brexit Party in February 2019. He has since returned to the Conservative Party.
