Full Breakdown
Resurfaced Misogynistic Posts Spark Controversy Over Reform UK Candidate in Makerfield By-Election
5/26/2026, 12:09:03 AM
Resurfaced Misogynistic Posts Target Reform UK Candidate Robert Kenyon
In the weeks before the Makerfield by-election, a series of online messages attributed to Robert Kenyon, Reform UK’s candidate, were republished. The posts, originally made on a rugby-fan forum in the 2010s and on X (formerly Twitter) in 2019, contain statements such as “women can’t ‘ref, drive or give directions’” and an admission of sexism. Reform UK described the material as “locker-room banter” from before Kenyon entered politics.
Background: Makerfield By-Election and Candidate Profile
The by-election is scheduled for 18 June 2024, with Labour’s Andy Burnham opposing Reform UK’s Kenyon. Kenyon, a self-employed plumber born in the constituency, was selected by party leader Nigel Farage. He previously contested the 2024 general election in Makerfield, finishing second with 31.8 % of the vote, and was appointed a Reform UK councillor three weeks before the controversy emerged.
Timeline of Controversial Posts and Political Responses
- 2010s – RLFans forum posts objectify European women and claim women “don’t care” and “have fat bellies.”
- 2019 – X post criticises women panelists as “only there to tick a box.”
- 2024 (general election) – Kenyon receives 31.8 % of the vote.
- June 2024 – Resurfaced posts reported; Reform UK calls them locker-room banter.
- June 2024 – Labour MP Anna Turley condemns the comments; Carol Vorderman labels Kenyon a misogynist.
- June 2024 – Hope Not Hate highlights the posts as part of a pattern including transphobic slurs and Covid misinformation.
Data & Statistics: Electoral History and Vote Share
- 2024 general election result for Kenyon: 31.8 % of the vote, second place.
- By-election date: 18 June 2024.
- Kenyon’s recent appointment: Reform UK councillor (three weeks prior to the controversy).
Official Responses: Reform UK, Labour, and Public Figures
Reform UK’s spokesperson asserted the remarks were “locker-room banter” made before Kenyon entered politics and reaffirmed the party’s support, describing him as an “excellent MP for Makerfield.” Labour’s Anna Turley described the comments as “degrading” and urged Nigel Farage to explain his choice, urging voters to back Andy Burnham. Carol Vorderman publicly condemned the posts, calling Kenyon a misogynist. Advocacy group Hope Not Hate noted the broader pattern of offensive content linked to the candidate.
Criticism and Opposition
Labour framed the remarks as evidence of “toxic politics” and called for a vote against Reform UK. Vorderman described Kenyon as “a disgusting online abuser.” Hope Not Hate highlighted the posts alongside other controversial statements, suggesting a pattern of misogyny, transphobia, and misinformation.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Reform UK characterises the material as harmless banter, while Labour and external observers label it misogynistic. No independent verification of the account ownership beyond attribution is provided, and Nigel Farage has not issued a direct comment. The extent to which the controversy will influence voter behaviour remains unquantified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m sexist, sorry but I am.” — Robert Kenyon, via @robkenyon1
- “The women on the panel’s aren’t up to the job and only there to tick a box” — Robert Kenyon, via @robkenyon1
- “Nigel Farage needs to urgently explain why he’s happy for a man who proudly admits he’s sexist to represent the people of Makerfield,” — Anna Turley, MP, Chair of the Labour Party
- “Fundamentally, Rob Kenyon is a misogynist.” — Carol Vorderman
- “These comments, which are little more than locker room banter, were made more than a decade ago - well before Rob was in politics,” — Reform UK spokesperson
Implications for the By-Election
The resurfaced posts have intensified scrutiny of Reform UK’s candidate selection and may shape voter perceptions ahead of the 18 June poll. Labour positions the controversy as a test of Reform UK’s cultural stance, while Reform UK maintains confidence in Kenyon’s candidacy. The outcome will indicate whether the controversy materially affects the party’s electoral prospects in Makerfield.
