The row began after Reform UK Wigan shared a post from Clacton showing campaigners from across the North West supporting party leader Nigel Farage's campaign ahead of polling day. The post said a group from "Reform Lancashire, West Lancs & North Yorkshire" had travelled to Clacton and received a "rapturous response" from voters. In response, a social media user questioned why Reform councillor Ella Worthington was campaigning in Clacton rather than focusing on Skelmersdale. "Also could you confirm who has paid for your travel costs to travel down there, was it from the public purse?" Responding publicly, Councillor Ella Worthington said the trip had taken place during annual leave and that she had paid the costs herself.