The recent revelations about the candidates in the Makerfield by-election have exposed a troubling trend in British politics. Chris Kennedy, the former Green Party candidate, shared an Instagram video suggesting the attack on Jewish ambulances in north London was a "false flag" operation, and also shared a post by a self-described "proud ethno-nationalist." Meanwhile, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon was found to be a Facebook friend of Gary Raikes, leader of the fascist New British Union, and has posted comparisons of Australian Covid vaccination policies to Nazism and called for businessmen like Richard Branson to be hanged for taking furlough money.
Poor Vetting Procedures
The vetting processes of the Greens and Reform UK are clearly inadequate. While the Greens have disowned Kennedy, Reform has stuck with Kenyon. Nigel Farage dismissed the concerns, saying Kenyon is "somebody who's done his bit for his country." This highlights a dangerous trend where extremist views are being mainstreamed, and parties are more concerned with electoral gain than principles.
The Horseshoe Theory in Action
This by-election exemplifies the "horseshoe" theory, where left and right extremism converge in rejecting liberal democratic norms. The polarisation of politics is attracting more "fruitcakes and loonies and closet racists," as David Cameron once said, into populist parties. Social media amplifies conspiracy theories, and parties struggle to keep up, often outsourcing vetting to pressure groups and media.
If such candidates can slip through in a by-election, the next general election could see even more extreme individuals entering Parliament. Voters should be wary of MPs who believe in Jewish banker conspiracies or admire historical fascists.
