Thursday night's BBC Question Time in Makerfield was billed as a showdown between Labour's Andy Burnham and Reform UK's Rob Kenyon, but the debate failed to ignite. Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, adopted a policy of non-aggression, allowing Kenyon to undermine himself. Kenyon appeared nervous and out of his depth, struggling to recall party lines.
The first question on career politicians highlighted an irony: Burnham, a seasoned politician, dressed casually in a black T-shirt and jacket, while Kenyon, who campaigns as a man of the people, wore a sharp suit and tie. Burnham described himself as a 'carer politician' who left Westminster in 2016 because he cared too much, though critics note he left after losing the Labour leadership election.
Audience members pressed Burnham on why he was standing in the byelection, given the sitting MP stood down to allow him to run. Burnham initially demurred but eventually admitted he fancies being prime minister. One audience member expressed frustration with Keir Starmer.
Kenyon faced questions about sexist comments he made on social media, including one where he called himself a sexist. He responded with 'allegedly' and claimed he could not be sexist because his mother and sister are women. He also made a joke about not wanting to be in a car they were driving. Green candidate Sarah Wakefield challenged him to apologise for remarks about Carol Vorderman.
Burnham remained silent throughout the exchange, letting Kenyon's own words damage his campaign. The debate ended without a clear winner, but Burnham appeared to have the upper hand by avoiding direct confrontation.
