A Reform UK candidate standing in the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election has come under fire after making controversial comments suggesting supporters of rival political parties should house migrants, whom she described as "illegal criminals, rapists and economic chancers."

Sian Astley made the remarks while promoting Reform UK's immigration policy, which proposes locating migrant detention centres only in areas represented by parties that support more liberal immigration policies. Astley suggested that Green Party supporters, along with voters for other rival parties, should be required to accommodate asylum seekers and migrants in their own communities.

The comments prompted swift criticism from political opponents, who accused the candidate of using inflammatory language to divide communities during the election campaign. Labour Party chair Anna Turley described the remarks as "divisive" and said the proposal undermined democratic principles.

Astley has since defended her comments, insisting they reflected the concerns of voters over illegal immigration. She argued that those who support more open immigration policies should be prepared to accept the consequences of those views in their own areas.

The controversy comes ahead of the Greater Manchester mayoral by-election on 30 July, with Reform UK hoping to build on recent electoral gains. However, the row has shifted attention away from the party's campaign and reignited debate over the tone of political discourse on immigration.

The mayoral contest is expected to be closely watched, with Labour aiming to retain control of one of its traditional strongholds while Reform seeks to increase its support across the region.

The comments are the latest in a series of controversies involving Reform UK candidates, as opponents continue to question the party's rhetoric on immigration and social issues. Reform has maintained that it is campaigning on policies designed to strengthen border security and reduce illegal migration, arguing that its approach reflects the views of many voters.