Reform UK has expressed its full support for its candidate in the Makerfield by-election, Robert Kenyon, following criticism over his social media posts regarding Russia's invasion of Crimea and the Covid-19 pandemic. Kenyon, a Wigan councillor who previously contested the seat for Reform in 2024, is reported to have stated that Russia was "within their rights" to invade Crimea and questioned the severity of Covid-19 and the effectiveness of vaccines.
Party Response and Backing
A Reform spokesman confirmed that Kenyon made these comments before entering politics. "We fully back Cllr Kenyon. He is an excellent, local candidate who we are confident will be a superb MP for Makerfield," the spokesman said. The party defended Kenyon, noting that his remarks predated his political career and occurred when the British prime minister was still engaging with Vladimir Putin.
Controversial Posts on Crimea
According to the Daily Telegraph, Kenyon responded to a forum post in 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea, agreeing that "the people of Crimea want to be in Russia, for me that is democracy in action." He added, "I agree totally, Russia are well within their rights to do what they have done, as we did with the Falklands. However, will Latvia be next?"
Comments on Covid-19 Vaccines
In separate posts on a now-deleted X account, Kenyon appeared to cast doubt on Covid-19 vaccinations. In July 2022, he replied to a post about a new variant, stating, "It's not making people sicker, I've no booster and had covid last week asymptomatic." He also advised others to "wait longer, take vitamins, stop having boosters." The Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice campaign group demanded an apology, calling his remarks an insult to those lost and a threat to public health.
Political Reactions
Defence minister Luke Pollard criticised Reform leader Nigel Farage for selecting a candidate who "promotes Kremlin talking points and makes excuses for Putin's unacceptable actions." Conservative shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge urged Farage to "immediately condemn" Kenyon's posts, stating that Reform has "tolerated pro-Russian voices" for too long.
The Reform spokesman clarified that Kenyon did not explicitly support Russia's actions in Crimea and is "unequivocally opposed to Russia's illegal and brutal invasion of Ukraine." The spokesman also confirmed that Kenyon received all his Covid jabs during the pandemic and his children are fully vaccinated, despite his earlier comments.
By-Election Context
The Makerfield by-election, scheduled for June 18, is expected to be a tight race between Labour and Reform UK. A recent Survation poll indicated Labour candidate Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor, holds a slim lead of just three percentage points over Kenyon. Former Labour Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair has endorsed Burnham but stopped short of backing a challenge to Sir Keir Starmer's leadership.
Fourteen candidates are standing in the by-election, including Conservative Michael Winstanley and Green Party candidate Sarah Wakefield.
