Full Breakdown
Rob Kenyon’s Social Media Controversy Ahead of Makerfield By-Election
6/16/2026, 1:18:30 AM
Core Event: Offensive Posts Unearthed
Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon faced criticism after deleted posts and forum comments from the 2010s to 2022 were uncovered. The material includes sexist remarks about women’s abilities, objectifying language toward European women, transphobic slurs, Covid-vaccine conspiracy claims, and praise for Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The posts appeared on rugby-league forums and X (formerly Twitter).
Background & Context
Kenyon, a plumber and local councillor, previously contested Makerfield in the 2024 general election, finishing second. He is now Reform UK’s candidate in the by-election triggered by Labour MP Andy Burnham’s resignation, scheduled for Thursday.
Key Figures & Groups
Rob Kenyon (Reform UK candidate), Nigel Farage (party leader), Andy Burnham (Labour candidate), Anna Turley (Labour chair), Carol Vorderman (TV presenter), Hope Not Hate (campaign group), and a Reform UK spokesperson.
Data & Statistics
Posts span the 2010s, a 2019 X post, and 2020-2022 content; Kenyon placed second in the 2024 Makerfield race.
Official Statements & Responses
Nigel Farage called the material “a few laddish things” from a decade ago, arguing it would not be typical of a career politician. A Reform UK spokesperson said Kenyon made the remarks before entering politics, called him an “excellent, local candidate,” and denied any endorsement of Russia’s actions. Kenyon told BBC Question Time he “has made mistakes.”
Why It Matters / Impact
The revelations have placed Reform UK under heightened scrutiny, forcing the party to defend its candidate-selection process while confronting accusations of tolerating misogyny and extremist views. Voter attitudes in Makerfield may be influenced by the controversy, potentially affecting the party’s performance and broader reputation ahead of upcoming elections.
Criticism & Opposition
Carol Vorderman labeled Kenyon “a misogynist” and “a disgusting online abuser.” Anna Turley said the remarks are “degrading and completely unacceptable.” Hope Not Hate highlighted the misogynistic, transphobic and conspiratorial posts.
Verbatim Quotes
- “These comments were posted a decade ago. They’ve been taken wildly out of context, but they’re the sort of comments that you won’t necessarily get if you’re an Oxford-educated career politician living in a nice postcode in London.” — Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
- “Fundamentally, Rob Kenyon is a misogynist.” — Carol Vorderman, TV presenter
- “I’m sexist, sorry but I am.” — @robkenyon1 (Rob Kenyon’s account)
- “We fully back Cllr Kenyon. He is an excellent, local candidate who we are confident will be a superb MP for Makerfield.” — Reform UK spokesperson
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reform UK says Kenyon did not endorse Russia’s Crimea actions, yet a comment reads, “I agree totally, Russia are well within their rights…”. The party’s denial and the quoted endorsement conflict. The total number of offensive posts is not quantified.
What’s Next: By-Election Outlook
The Makerfield by-election will take place on Thursday, with voters deciding between Labour’s Andy Burnham and Reform UK’s Rob Kenyon. The controversy may shape voter attitudes toward Reform UK’s candidate selection procedures and could influence the party’s broader national profile ahead of future elections.
