Royal Mail is investigating allegations that a postal worker dumped Reform UK campaign leaflets in a bin ahead of local elections after claiming to have done so in a private Facebook group. A Reform UK legal representative sent a letter of complaint to Alistair Cochrane, the chief executive of Royal Mail, stating that a screenshot of the message was circulated on Saturday.

The post, shared anonymously to a private Facebook group called Royal Mail Chat, said the worker's delivery office had received Reform's door-to-door materials that day and that the worker had thrown them all in a bin, daring the company to dismiss them. The Facebook group has 30,000 members and is open to Royal Mail employees and partners, as well as members of the Communication Workers Union. The part of the UK in which the incident is alleged to have occurred has not been identified.

"We take our responsibility very seriously and do not tolerate the deliberate non-delivery of mail," Royal Mail said in a statement on the allegation. "We are investigating this allegation and remain committed to impartial delivery for all candidates," the company added.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage responded in a public message. "It is right that @RoyalMail have launched a full investigation into this allegation," Farage said. "If found to be true, it would be very disturbing and an attack on the democratic process itself," he added.

In its letter, Reform UK demanded an immediate and thorough internal investigation within three days, a full written explanation, and details of any compensation measures Royal Mail proposes to offer for the loss and disruption caused. The party is also seeking confirmation that appropriate disciplinary action up to and including summary dismissal has or will be taken against any employee found to have participated in or condoned the destruction of the materials. Reform UK further called for written assurances that future Reform campaign deliveries will be prioritised, properly monitored, and safeguarded against any recurrence.

A legal representative of Reform UK wrote: "This admission provides clear prima facie evidence of the deliberate destruction or non-delivery of Reform UK's door-to-door campaign materials that had been entrusted to Royal Mail. Such conduct constitutes a wilful breach of Royal Mail's statutory and contractual obligations to deliver mail and literature impartially and efficiently. It also undermines the democratic process and Reform UK's lawful right to engage in political campaigning."