A Reform UK Member of Parliament faces allegations of spreading false information by incorrectly asserting that she played a role in securing financial support for a local charity boxing club in her constituency.
Sarah Pochin claimed in a now-deleted social media video filmed at the Runcorn Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) that her office had facilitated funding to aid the club’s initiatives for youth in the area.
However, the ABC refuted these assertions, stating that they had not received any funding from Reform. The club demanded an apology from the MP and clarified that they are an apolitical charity unaffiliated with any party. Furthermore, they highlighted that Ms. Pochin had not sought permission to film at their establishment.
In a subsequent statement on Facebook, the club debunked the MP’s claims, emphasizing that the funding allegations were unfounded and could potentially hinder their future financial prospects by suggesting they had already been financially assisted.
Following the club’s rebuttal, Ms. Pochin clarified that the funding she referenced was actually secured for Diverse Sports Runcorn (DSR), a separate entity operating within ABC. She later deleted a post when ABC reiterated their stance of independence from political affiliations and lack of financial assistance.
In a final update on October 8, Ms. Pochin acknowledged that there was no additional funding secured specifically for Runcorn Amateur Boxing Club, clarifying that the funding was sourced from existing resources earmarked for the following year.