Full Breakdown
Makerfield By-Election Candidate Robert Kenyon Faces Backlash Over Leaked Vorderman Comments
5/29/2026, 11:06:27 AM
Leaked Remarks Spark Controversy
In 2021, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon posted a lewd comment about TV presenter Carol Vorderman on X. The post, later deleted, was uncovered by the anti-hate group HopeNotHate, which linked it to Kenyon’s reply to a user who had sent a degrading sexual message about Vorderman. Vorderman demanded an apology, saying she wanted one “to me, and to all the other people he’s abused online.”
Political Context
The Makerfield seat is being contested in a by-election after Labour MP Andy Burnham resigned. Kenyon, a plumber, stands for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, while Labour fields Andy Burnham’s successor.
Key Figures
Key actors include candidate Robert Kenyon, TV presenter Carol Vorderman, anti-hate group HopeNotHate, Labour MP Louise Haigh, Reform MP Danny Kruger, and party leader Nigel Farage.
Official Statements & Responses
Kenyon described his past conduct as “rough around the edges,” acknowledging mistakes and calling the comment “a crude attempt at a joke” that caused no offence and would not be repeated. Reform UK’s spokesperson said the party fully backs Kenyon, calling him an “excellent, local candidate” whose remarks pre-date his political career and stressing his “straight-talking, effective voice for normal working people.”
Criticism & Opposition
Labour MP Louise Haigh criticised Reform’s vetting, saying the party “care[s] so little about the people of Makerfield” and failed to check Kenyon’s social-media history. She called the “disrespectful and sexist posts” evidence that he is “not fit to be an MP,” urging his removal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want an apology from Rob Kenyon, to me, and to all the other people he’s abused online.” — Carol Vorderman, TV presenter
- “I am rough around the edges. I have made mistakes in my life. I'm not perfect. Nobody is. Not a single person in the world is perfect. I think everybody does say things that eventually they regret. It was a crude attempt at a joke to probably about 50 followers. No offence was meant, and it's not something I'd do now.” — Robert Kenyon, Reform UK candidate
- “Reform care so little about the people of Makerfield that they clearly didn't do the most basic vetting on him or his social media history.” — Louise Haigh, Labour MP
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Kenyon says the comment caused no offence and was not aimed at Vorderman; Vorderman insists an apology is required. Reform calls the remarks private, yet the post was publicly visible before deletion. No apology has been issued.
What’s Next
The Makerfield by-election proceeds with Kenyon remaining on the ballot.
