A supporter of Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party, who made substantial donations, has been revealed as an admirer of the late Enoch Powell, a controversial figure known for his extreme views on immigration. Gary Dutton, a wealthy individual, expressed admiration for Powell’s foresight, despite the divisive nature of his “Rivers of blood” speech. Dutton, aged 76, contributed financially to Reform UK, including a recent donation of £10,000 to party member Lee Anderson and a previous sum of £45,000 through his company.
In addition to his financial support, Dutton facilitated a trip to France for Anderson, nicknamed “30p Lee,” last month. This revelation comes amidst Reform UK’s growing popularity and their proposal for large-scale deportations of asylum seekers. Dutton’s admiration for Powell was disclosed in his autobiography, where he listed Powell alongside other influential figures such as Margaret Thatcher, Winston Churchill, and members of the Beatles.
Powell’s infamous speech, made prior to the Race Relations Bill of the Labour government, stirred controversy with its dire predictions about race relations in the UK. Notably, Farage had sought Powell’s endorsement for a campaign two decades prior to the latter’s death in 1998. Dutton, in his book “The Business Builder,” recalled a conversation with David Cameron where he advocated for strict immigration controls, less political correctness, and exiting the EU to prioritize national sovereignty.
Furthermore, Dutton’s company, E.I.R.P Ltd, has been a significant financial contributor to Reform UK, previously known as the Brexit Party. Notably, E.I.R.P Ltd sponsored Anderson’s trip to France last month for a speaking engagement. Dutton, recognized with an MBE in 2008, featured in the Sunday Times Rich List in 2020 with a net worth of £134 million. Reform UK has been approached for comment on these developments.