In the heated race for Makerfield, Reform UK’s candidate Robert Kenyon is making headlines for controversial past social media posts. Kenyon, who’s up against Labour’s Andy Burnham in the upcoming by-election, supported an offensive post about Welsh favourite Carol Vorderman. The post, now deleted, included graphic language and Kenyon’s response with emojis sparked outrage.
Reform MP Danny Kruger called the comments “inappropriate,” yet stood by Kenyon as an “ordinary man” who wasn’t a politician at the time. Kruger stressed the challenge of social media, where private conversations can quickly turn public. When Carol Vorderman slammed Kenyon as a “cowardly misogynist,” Kruger suggested the comments were made in a different context.
Labour fired back, criticising Reform’s choice to keep Kenyon in the running. Despite the storm, Kenyon trails Burnham by only three percentage points, with polling placing the Labour candidate at 43% and Kenyon at 40%.
Meanwhile, Restore Britain’s candidate, bolstered by Elon Musk’s unexpected support, enters the fray with 7% backing. Nigel Farage isn’t thrilled, warning Musk could split the right’s vote, indirectly aiding Mr Burnham’s campaign.
The Makerfield by-election saga is heating up. As parties clash and social media flares, all eyes will be on this political drama unfolding in the UK. Stay tuned for more twists and turns!