Reform UK’s candidate refuses to apologise for his appalling comments
Not a day goes by without yet another shameful comment from Reform’s Robert Kenyon coming to light. In the two weeks since Nigel Farage’s Makerfield candidate was selected, more and more of his past public statements and online activity has resurfaced, demonstrating why he is completely unfit to be an MP and represent the people of Makerfield.
Below are five comments made by Robert Kenyon that Reform has defended and which he has refused to apologise for:
- Kenyon has made backward and derogatory comments about women. He has himself admitted “I’m sexist. Sorry but I am” and claimed women can’t drive or give directions. Reform UK have shamefully dismissed some of these comments as “locker room banter”.
- Kenyon has claimed that women choose to have abortions for “vanity purposes”. It’s clear that if he was elected to Parliament, he’d want to strip away the vital protections in place to support women and their right to choose.
- Kenyon believes that Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Crimea was justified. It’s appalling yet unsurprising that Nigel Farage has again chosen a candidate who promotes Kremlin talking points and makes excuses for Putin’s unacceptable actions against Ukraine.
- Kenyon previously played down the seriousness of Covid-19, despite the fact that over 200,000 people in the UK died during the pandemic. He also actively encouraged people to not take life saving vaccines.
- And Kenyon claimed the appalling Manchester Arena bombing wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for the actions of Hillary Clinton. The fault of this vile terrorist attack lies squarely with the terrorists themselves. Any responsible person seeking public office should accept that.
These are not isolated incidents. Together, they paint a deeply troubling picture of the standards Reform is willing to accept from its candidates and raise serious questions about Nigel Farage’s judgement.
Time and again, Reform has shown it is incapable of meeting the standards the public expect from those seeking elected office. Robert Kenyon has refused to apologise for these appalling comments, and Nigel Farage continues to stand by him.
Makerfield deserves better than excuses, scandals and distraction. On Thursday 18 June, voters have the chance to reject Reform’s politics of division and back our fantastic candidate Andy Burnham, who is focused on bringing communities together and delivering for local people.
Labour must come together to stop Kenyon getting anywhere near Parliament. Will you take action today?