Reform UK denies AI-generated MP photo as Electoral Commission launches deepfake detection pilot

Claim 1: Reform UK stated that it pushed back against claims that a photo posted by its deputy leader Richard Tice was generated using artificial intelligence.

Evidence: Reform UK and Richard Tice have said the image is a real photograph of party activists that was only edited to increase brightness. Multiple outlets report the party’s denial of full AI generation while acknowledging minor edits.

Verdict: True.

Analysis: The party’s public response directly refutes the idea that the picture was wholly AI‑generated, confirming the claim that Reform UK pushed back against those allegations.

Claim 2: The Local Democracy Reporting Service received what appears to be the original version of the photo in question, and that version lacks the apparent AI‑generated anomalies.

Evidence: The LDRS reported receiving an image that does not show the obvious AI errors seen in the version Tice posted. Analysis notes that while this earlier version lacks those flaws, the weather and lighting differ, suggesting further alteration.

Verdict: Mostly true.

Analysis: The core of the claim—that an earlier version lacked the AI anomalies—is supported by the LDRS receipt, but changes in weather and scene composition indicate the image may still have been altered in other ways.

Claim 3: The Electoral Commission launched a pilot program to detect deepfakes and misinformation ahead of the May local elections.

Evidence: The Electoral Commission announced a pilot specifically designed to spot deepfakes and election‑related misinformation before the May local elections.

Verdict: True.

Analysis: The announcement matches the claim exactly, confirming the initiative’s existence and timing.

Watch for the results of the Electoral Commission’s pilot as the May local elections approach and for any further developments regarding the authenticity of campaign images shared by political parties.