30-04-2025
Reform UK take down Stockport website using AI-generated supporters
Reform UK's Stockport branch has been accused of misleading Stockport residents after it used AI generated testimonials and images on its website.
The webpage - - used cartoonish images and names of people who appeared to be created by AI along with generic labels such as "community leader" and "business owner."
One supporter who was quoted on the website, named 'Jane Doe', said the local party had 'transformed our community with their forward-thinking policies' – without mention of any specific actions or achievements.
The website also used a picture of Manhattan, New York, in a statement about its vision for Stockport.
The interim chair for Stockport's Reform UK branch Jack Moore said the website was "accidentally made available" and that the images and quotes were "placeholders" whilst real testimonials were being gathered.
On Wednesday 30 April, Reform UK took the website down after they were contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Conservative Councillor Peter Crossen accused Reform of misleading Stockport residents with 'AI platitudes.'
He said: 'If they can't be bothered to write their own website, why should anyone trust them to deliver real change?
'Nothing says 'I care about my community' quite like a stock image of Times Square and a series of spurious claims about 'infrastructure improvements' and 'changing lives'.
'Myself and my Conservative colleagues will continue making a difference in our communities, engaging with residents, and knocking on doors. I'd love to see how they could get AI to do that for them.'
Jack Moore, of Stockport Reform UK, said: 'The Reform Stockport website is currently under development.
'The images, names, and wording are filler only, purely for internal, illustrative purposes and there as placeholders whilst genuine content is being developed.
'The website has accidentally been made available for the public to see, but has now been taken down. The website will be formally launched in the near future.'
He added that the criticism by Councillor Crossen could be part of 'an anxiety about facing Reform UK at the ballot box in next May's local elections.'
'Reform UK are building our branch and our team in the Stockport area to offer local people a real alternative to the Lib Dem-Labour-Conservative uniparty offering.'
