Full Breakdown
Reform Party Candidate Rob Kenyon Faces Backlash Over Past Misogynistic Social-Media Comments
5/26/2026, 12:10:51 AM
Candidate Selection and Emerging Controversy
Rob Kenyon was chosen last week by the Reform Party to contest the Makerfield by-election on 18 June, to challenge Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Within days, the campaign was eclipsed by scrutiny of Kenyon’s historic social-media activity, prompting media attention and criticism.
Background & Key Figures
The Reform Party selected Rob Kenyon to contest the Makerfield by-election, scheduled for 18 June. Key figures involved in the controversy include Rob Kenyon (Reform candidate), Carol Vorderman (television presenter mentioned in the 2021 comment), Angela Rayner (Labour MP and Shadow Deputy Leader), and HopeNotHate (campaign group that uncovered Kenyon’s dual X accounts).
Timeline of Events
- 2021: Kenyon replies to an X user’s demeaning sexual comment about Carol Vorderman, saying “He’s only saying what we’re all thinking.”
- Early June 2024: Reform Party selects Kenyon for the Makerfield by-election.
- Early June 2024: HopeNotHate reports Kenyon operated two X accounts; one was suspended, the other deleted.
- 18 June 2024: Makerfield by-election scheduled.
Data & Statistics
Kenyon maintained two X accounts; one was suspended, the other later deleted. The Makerfield by-election is set for 18 June, with the Reform Party’s campaign now focused on damage control rather than policy messaging.
Impact on Campaign and Public Perception
The resurfacing of Kenyon’s 2021 comment has shifted media coverage from electoral strategy to allegations of misogyny. The controversy has dominated Reform’s campaign, drawing attention away from policy proposals and placing the party under public scrutiny. The shift in coverage has limited the party’s ability to present its policy platform to voters.
Official Statements & Responses
Reform Party has not issued a formal comment on Kenyon’s past remarks, and no response from his campaign appears in the sources. Observers have noted the party’s silence on the matter. HopeNotHate, the anti-hate group that flagged the accounts, said the discovery highlights ongoing concerns about online misogyny. Labour MP Angela Rayner publicly condemned the incident, describing it as evidence of Reform tolerating abusive rhetoric.
Criticism & Opposition
Angela Rayner labeled the episode “repulsive misogynistic abuse” and argued it reflects Reform’s tolerance of such conduct.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He's only saying what we're all thinking.” — Rob Kenyon, 2021 X reply
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No official comment from the Reform Party or Kenyon’s campaign is recorded in the sources, leaving a gap in the party’s response to the allegations.
What’s Next
The Makerfield by-election proceeds on 18 June, with voters expected to evaluate Kenyon’s candidacy amid the controversy. The result will indicate how the controversy influences Reform’s performance in the constituency.
