CLA · On the Record
Ken Tranter: “non white persons taking over” a public park
Role at the time: Reform UK councillor for Aldershot South, Hampshire County Council
Role now: Reform UK councillor for Aldershot South, Hampshire County Council
“non white persons taking over the Municipal Gardens … I want them to stop it and return the park to family use.”
What was said
After being elected on 7 May 2026, and before national reports published on 13 May, Ken Tranter posted about alleged cannabis use in Aldershot’s Municipal Gardens. He attributed the concern to “non white persons” whom he said were “taking over” the park. After saying police were aware, he wrote that he wanted “them to stop it” and the park returned “to family use”. The exact date of the since-deleted post has not been independently established.
Context and response
Tranter said his intended subject was open drug use and antisocial behaviour, not race. In a written apology reproduced by national outlets, he said referring to the group by skin colour was a poor choice, “clumsy” and unnecessary; accepted responsibility; apologised for the offence and distress caused; and said racism had no place in his politics.
On 18 May 2026, Byline Times published screenshots of other material it attributed to Tranter’s account, including posts that demeaned Muslims. The publication said neither Tranter nor Reform UK responded to its requests for comment on that material.
Evidence trail
- The Independent, 13 May 2026 — reproduces the post and Tranter’s response.
- The Times, 13 May 2026 — reproduces the post and the detailed apology.
- Press Association report carried by The Guardian, 13 May 2026 — independently reproduces the post and apology.
- Byline Times, 18 May 2026 — preserves screenshots of further attributed posts and records that no additional comment was supplied.
- Hampshire County Council member profile — confirms Tranter’s current office, division and Reform UK affiliation.
Evidence status
The wording is attributable to Tranter’s social-media account, reproduced by several national news organisations, and acknowledged in his own apology. The original post is no longer live, so its exact publication date and full platform thread are not independently available.
Legal status
This is a public-statement record, not a finding of criminal or civil liability. No criminal charge, conviction, court judgment, completed party investigation, suspension or published council standards finding concerning these remarks was located as of 21 October 2026. Hampshire County Council told reporters that complaints would be handled under its procedures; no published final determination was located. The council’s current profile continues to list Tranter as a Reform UK councillor.
Last reviewed: 21 October 2026
Get free CLA evidence and campaign updates: join the CLA briefing.
Responses and outcomes
Follow the response to this statement or incident →. The tracker shows the scope of the check, its sources and any gaps; it does not attach unrelated proceedings.