Story perspectives

Burnham contests Makerfield as Kenyon scandal rises, Farage warns split.

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Robert Kenyon faces renewed criticism over past social-media posts that included misogynistic, anti-vaccine and pro-Russia remarks.
The Makerfield by-election is scheduled for 18 June 2026 after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned.
Labour selected Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as its candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned that billionaire Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party, promoted by Elon Musk, could split the right-hand vote.

History

Historical Context

UKIP’s 27.5% share in the 2014 European elections pressured Prime Minister David Cameron to promise a membership vote, which on 23 June 2016 produced a 51.9% Leave result and triggered Cameron’s resignation, the rise of Nigel Farage’s populist platform and lasting party realignment. That volatility now frames the contested Makerfield by-election scheduled for 18 June 2026.

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Story summary

Robert Kenyon faces renewed criticism over past social-media posts that included misogynistic, anti-vaccine and pro-Russia remarks.
The Makerfield by-election is scheduled for 18 June 2026 after Labour MP Josh Simons resigned.
Labour selected Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham as its candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage warned that billionaire Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party, promoted by Elon Musk, could split the right-hand vote.

1 / 2