Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing:

How Far-Right Groups Are Posing as Mainstream Political Groups

by Connor

Image created by Connor and used with permission.

In recent years, we’ve seen a worrying trend: far-right groups are posing as mainstream political movements, drawing in many young people, just as I once was. These groups call themselves "patriots", offering policies that, at first glance, resemble those of established political parties.

Today there are a number of far-right groups that are leading this charge, attempting to infiltrate the political mainstream by repackaging extremism as common sense. Their leadership includes individuals from older extremist groups, people whose aims and views remain unchanged.

Historically, the far right has concealed its true beliefs in order to gain legitimacy. Today, the rise of social media and growing disillusionment with traditional parties has given these groups an even greater reach. What makes them particularly dangerous now is how well-organised, disciplined and deliberately respectable they appear—until you look more closely.

A few weeks ago, I was in town on my lunch break when I saw a middle-aged man in a trench coat being filmed by a crew of younger men. I watched as he approached group after group of young people, speaking to them about the idea of "Englishness". Curious, I later found his YouTube channel and discovered that he was using the guise of "independent journalism" to spread misinformation and hatred.

Developing their marketing strategy groups present themselves as nationalist, “pro-British” organisations that stand for ordinary people and family values. But if you examine their leadership, messaging and background, a very different picture emerges—one built on racial purity, xenophobia and a rejection of democratic values. Their roots can be traced back to openly fascist organisations, and their candidates are often chosen for ideological alignment rather than public service.

This appearance of normality is calculated. Rather than alienate people with outright hate speech, they gradually introduce divisive narratives that exploit people’s fears and frustrations—about housing, crime, immigration and more. These are legitimate concerns, but far-right groups are weaponising them to fuel division, not to offer real solutions. Their aim is clear: to build a bridge between disillusioned voters and far-right ideology. And sadly, it’s working.

We must stay vigilant. Journalists, campaigners and community leaders have a responsibility to call these groups out for what they really are. Far-right extremism no longer always marches in the street. Sometimes it knocks on your door with a rosette and a leaflet or offers a safe space online to talk about people’s concerns.

Looking at what’s needed, It’s okay to be interested in politics, to want answers and to seek change. But if you’re reading this and you’ve been drawn into one of these groups, I urge you to reach out to organisations like Exit Hate. There is another path and there is help.

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Exit Hate would like to thank Conner for his opinions in this article, and we encourage others to reach out to us. Our blog is a safe space to have open conversations and talk about things so we can find solutions to the issues people are worried about.

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