Reform UK's Makerfield candidate Rob Kenyon is facing criticism from a local campaign group that claims he has not been involved in their efforts to protect the green belt. Residents of the Save Winstanley Greenbelt group say that despite Mr Kenyon's public statements opposing development on the green belt, he has not reached out to them or participated in their activities.
Background of the Controversy
Rob Kenyon, a local plumber, has been vocal about protecting the green belt during his campaign for the Makerfield by-election. At a Manchester Evening News hustings on June 10, he stated that protecting the green belt was a key motivator for his entry into politics, specifically referencing Kingswood Homes' plans to build on the Winstanley Hall estate near Springpool. He also discussed the issue on BBC Question Time on June 4, saying, "[The green belt] is something I’ve been right behind, especially the 400 houses in Winstanley just behind Springpool."
Campaign Group's Response
Deborah Orr, a 59-year-old member of Save Winstanley Greenbelt, clarified that her comments were personal and not on behalf of the entire group. She stated, "We're a non-political community campaign group. Robert [Kenyon] hasn't been involved in the campaign or its activities to date with us. We were a bit shocked when he said it [on Question Time]." She noted that other politicians, including outgoing MP Josh Simons and Andy Burnham, have been supportive. Orr, who is a Green Party member, emphasized that the group welcomes support from anyone regardless of political affiliation.
Another group member, who wished to remain anonymous and described themselves as a "floating voter," echoed these sentiments: "Rob Kenyon hasn’t had anything to do with it. He’s not reached out to us at all. The only person who has reached out to us is Andy Burnham."
Reform UK's Defense
In response, a Reform UK spokesman accused some group members of making "political and public personal attacks on Rob." The party stated its desire to engage with all local groups on the green belt and criticized Labour candidate Andy Burnham for his role in the GMCA Places for Everyone housing scheme, which Reform claims contributes to green belt destruction. The GMCA, however, describes the plan as maximizing brownfield use while protecting green belt land.
The spokesman added, "As a local resident who lives next door to the Winstanley Hall site, Rob has been vocally opposed to this development since it was first announced. Unfortunately, leading members of the group have engaged in personal attacks, calling into question their claim of being non-political. Ms Orr herself has appeared on Labour's campaign literature endorsing Andy Burnham."
Orr's Rebuttal
Deborah Orr responded, "My personal politics are irrelevant. The group would welcome support from everyone as long as they are prepared to listen and understand the complex issues around the development."
