Brexit Party transgender candidate from Stamford speaks out at abuse including being called a Nazi which made her stand down
A transgender Brexit Party activist says she had to stop running for parliament because she feared for her life.
Rachel Warby, who lives in Stamford, was until recently the Brexit Party candidate in the South Northamptonshire constituency.
However, the 52-year-old, says she has been branded a 'Nazi' and one day a campaign stall she was standing was "trashed by a madman".
She recalled of the incident in Brackley: "This lunatic was calling us Nazis. He tipped the stall and ripped down the banner and went beserk."
Police were called and later a man was arrested.
Rachel, who works as a hairdresser and also behind the bar at the Green Man pub in Stamford, says most people have no issue with the Brexit Party.
"But there's always people that would shout some sort of abuse. It's a bit scary really.
"They said we were Nazis and sponsored by the Far Right. It's not the first time and it won't be the last."
Rachel, who hoped to become Britain's first transgender MP, says she has also been criticised on social media by well-known left-wing campaigners, who doubted her claims.
She continued: "The abuse has made me feel really uncomfortable. I felt I could not put my life under so much harm and scrutiny."
Rachel, who originally came from London, moved to Stamford six months ago to be with family after a spell in Spain.
The abuse, she says, came because she was supporting the Brexit Party, not because she is transgender.
And despite standing down as a candidate before her party leader Nigel Farage ordered Brexit Party candidates to withdraw from Conservative-held seats, Rachel is still campaigning for the party.
This week, she attended rallies, including one with Mr Farage in Peterborough this week.
Rachel said: "I very much believe we should should be an independent trading nation. But after Brexit, I'm more Green really. My principles are more Green."
She added: "The real bigots are those on the left. They are the ones shown to be the aggressors now."
Jessica Swift, who had been selected as the Brexit Party candidate for Grantham and Stamford, is also transgender.
The Grantham businesswoman was also stood down as candidate by Mr Farage.
Jessica told the Mercury: "Personally, I did not face any direct abuse although I am aware much was said on social media which I did not bother to look at."
Click here to read more about the candidates standing in the General Election for the local area
