Carol Vorderman has issued a heartfelt message to the people of Makerfield following Andy Burnham's decisive by-election victory. The former Countdown star thanked voters, saying: 'You're wonderful.'
Background to the Campaign
Ms Vorderman previously stated she was 'dragged' into the by-election campaign after derogatory comments made by Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon resurfaced online. Among them were remarks about women and a post appearing to endorse a sexually graphic comment about Ms Vorderman.
In response, she sent a letter to over 6,000 women in the constituency last month, telling them they had 'real power' in this vote to decide if 'little coward' Rob Kenyon should represent them.
Voter Reaction and Result
Ms Vorderman added: 'Finally we will have a prime minister who actually cares about the North and places outside of the South East. The polls were wrong and you voted with a huge turnout and voted tactically to beat Reform's sexist coward.'
Tonight's result was a decisive victory for Labour's Andy Burnham, who beat Mr Kenyon into second place by around 9,000 votes. He will now return to Westminster, with the result expected to pave the way for a leadership challenge against Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Kenyon's Controversial Comments
Ms Vorderman has previously accused Mr Kenyon of making 'cowardly excuses' and said his posts displayed a 'pattern of online abuse, trying to belittle women.' She also called out his lack of apology, stating: 'He's playing on being the local lad and it's just banter. It's not banter. And as far as I can see his story keeps changing.'
In her letter, Ms Vorderman highlighted Mr Kenyon's comments that women could not 'drive' or 'referee', had abortion for 'vanity purposes', and openly described himself as 'sexist'. The letter also included his response to a comment about Ms Vorderman which said: 'My god, I would love to smell and lick your a*******.' He replied with: 'He's only saying what we're all thinking', alongside emojis. Mr Kenyon repeatedly declined to apologise, defending it as a 'crude attempt at a joke'.
Endorsement Controversy
Ms Vorderman also criticised Mr Kenyon after he welcomed an endorsement from controversial former soldier and TV presenter Ant Middleton. Standing next to Mr Kenyon, Mr Middleton described him as the 'only candidate you must vote' and urged people to 'vote strategically'. Ms Vorderman said: 'Calling Ant Middleton one of my heroes after Middleton was jailed for common assault of a female police officer in 2013. It tells you all you need to know about Kenyon.'
Full Message from Carol Vorderman
'Congratulations Makerfield. You're wonderful. And thank you too. A completely resounding win for your man Andy Burnham, who will hopefully become OUR man when he becomes Prime Minister. Finally we will have a prime minister who actually cares about the North and places outside of the South East. The polls were wrong and you voted with a huge turnout and voted tactically to beat Reform's sexist coward. Thank you for being so gracious about my letter to you as well. I deeply appreciate it. I think you're amazing and I hope you know the difference your votes will make for the future of the whole country.'
