Reform UK candidate Darren Crandon has defended social media posts praising far-right activist Tommy Robinson, insisting he will "not apologise" for his opinions.
Mr Crandon is standing for Reform UK in the Risca East council by-election on November 19, having called Robinson a "breath of fresh air" and praised his willingness to speak out.
The posts, which were brought to the attention of the Argus by a concerned member of the public, date back to 2018 and include several expressions of support for Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
In October 2018, Mr Crandon described Robinson as being "in touch with the public".
More recently, in June 2025, he praised Robinson for having "the balls to stand up for what was right".
In February this year, he described Robinson as a "breath of fresh air for many years", while urging him to stop criticising Reform UK and calling for unity on the political right.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has distanced the party from Robinson, saying he would not be welcome as a member.
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Mr Crandon told the Argus he supported some of Robinson's views but did not endorse everything he said or did.
He said: "Yes, I have expressed support for some of Tommy Robinson’s views, particularly his willingness to raise issues such as grooming gangs at a time when many felt these concerns were not being properly addressed."
He added: "Agreeing with someone on certain issues does not mean endorsing everything they say or do."
He said: "At just 18 years old, I was sent to fight in Iraq under a Labour government. I served my country, yet we went to war without being provided with all the equipment we needed.
"I would be interested to see the same level of scrutiny applied to the politicians responsible for sending young men and women into conflict without adequately equipping them."
He said he would challenge Caerphilly Council and fight for greater accountability and better value for taxpayers' money.
He added: "I will not apologise for having opinions or for speaking up on issues I believe matter."
The by-election follows the death of long-serving Labour councillor Nigel George.
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