Nigel Farage made his first appearance on the Makerfield campaign trail yesterday, declaring the by-election the most significant of his lifetime. The Reform UK leader toured the constituency in the front seat of a white van owned by his candidate, plumber Robert Kenyon, who aims to thwart Andy Burnham's return to Westminster and end his hopes of becoming Labour leader.
Unexpected Encounter
During the tour, Farage decided to stop at a local cafe for refreshment. Shortly after taking his seat, it emerged that Andy Burnham was also in the cafe, just metres away, enjoying cakes and hot drinks while talking to young adults with special needs. The Daily Mail journalist accompanying Farage approached Burnham, who reacted furiously, accusing the press of lacking boundaries. Burnham fumed, 'You don't go into a place like that unannounced! You're out of order there!' Despite the journalist's explanation that the encounter was unplanned, Burnham remained irate, refusing to engage further.
Farage's Take
Farage later commented on the incident, saying, 'Andy Burnham's had it all his own way for far too long… his biggest weakness is being seen as having a sense of entitlement. And that's how he treated you.' Reform UK is framing the race as 'David versus Goliath', with Farage warning that a Burnham victory would push Labour further left, threatening the economy, borders, and women's rights.
Candidate's Background
Robert Kenyon, a plumber with family roots in the constituency dating back 200 years, stood for Reform in the 2024 general election. He was called away from fitting radiators to campaign. Asked about his sudden political spotlight, he joked, 'There are people who seek greatness, and people who have it thrust upon them. I'm very much thrust upon.'
Polling and Stakes
According to the latest polls, the race is on a knife-edge. Makerfield is heartland Reform territory, with Union Flags and St George's Crosses visible across the constituency. However, Labour's Andy Burnham, the Manchester Mayor, poses a formidable challenge. Farage warned that a Burnham win would lead to a 'spendthrift route that the markets will hate'. Reform accuses Burnham of being the 'ultimate, consummate career politician', contrasting him with Kenyon's blue-collar background.
Controversy
The campaign has been clouded by allegations about Kenyon's social media usage. Labour condemned him for being friends with a far-Right leader on Facebook, and his X account was suspended. Farage defended Kenyon, who insisted he accepted hundreds of friend requests daily during the election and did not know the individual. On his first tour, Farage had little time to interact with voters, but several locals expressed doubts about Burnham. Malcolm, 69, cited Burnham's attempted clean air zone in Manchester, which would have cost him £60 per journey. Paul, 55, said his family would back Kenyon, with Burnham as a 'good second place'. One Labour supporter admitted that the party's first two years in power would be a hurdle for Burnham.
Voters in Makerfield have five weeks to decide whether Kenyon can go from draining radiators to draining the Westminster swamp.
