Residents of Makerfield have expressed their strong disapproval of remarks reportedly made by Reform UK’s by-election candidate, with uncertainty still surrounding the outcome of this crucial vote.
Allegedly offensive posts attributed to 41-year-old Robert Kenyon, prior to his political career, have surfaced recently, prompting the party to defend itself following criticism from its senior MP Danny Kruger. Kenyon’s past comments on a rugby league forum have caused controversy, where he reportedly made derogatory statements about women who have abortions and expressed sexist views.
Additionally, Kenyon is said to have shared explicit and degrading posts about Carol Vorderman on a now-deleted Twitter account, leading to accusations of misogyny and online abuse against him. In response, a spokesperson for Reform UK stated that the comments were made years before Kenyon entered politics, portraying him as an “ordinary man” rather than a seasoned politician.
In the town of Ashton-in-Makerfield, the largest in the constituency, residents shared their reactions to Kenyon’s alleged remarks and speculated on their potential impact on the election. Concerned citizens criticized Kenyon’s views on abortion and gender stereotypes, labeling them as disrespectful and bigoted.
Some residents expressed support for Andy Burnham as a candidate, citing his contributions to the area and potential as a Prime Minister. However, others voiced skepticism about Burnham’s intentions and speculated on his political strategies.
Amidst the political landscape, a recent poll revealed a rise in support for Restore Britain, a party formed by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, causing concerns within Farage’s party about losing votes to the right. Signs of potential voter shift were observed, with some Reform supporters showing interest in Restore.
Overall, the by-election in Makerfield remains unpredictable, with various viewpoints and uncertainties shaping the political discourse in the region.