Carol Vorderman has hit back at Reform UK's candidate for the Makerfield by-election, Robert Kenyon, branding him a 'disgusting online abuser' after a series of misogynistic posts from his now-deleted X account came to light. The television presenter condemned the local plumber, who is standing to become the next MP for Makerfield, over a degrading sexual comment directed at her, as well as crude remarks about female rugby players.
Reform UK Defends Candidate
Despite the backlash, Reform UK has stood by Kenyon, arguing that his lack of 'polish' is what would make him an effective MP. Campaign group HopeNotHate discovered that Kenyon had two X accounts, one of which has been suspended by the platform, while the other has since been deleted. A post from one of the accounts referenced being blocked by the Sky Sports Rugby League account on X for comments about women's rugby.
Carol Vorderman's Response
Speaking to The Mirror, Vorderman said: 'Fundamentally, Rob Kenyon is a misogynist. I wouldn't let him in my house if he was a local plumber in my area, not with what he's been posting online. There is always a pattern.' She highlighted his comments about female rugby players 'handling their knockers' and his being blocked by Sky Sports Rugby League for online behaviour. Vorderman added: 'It's a torrent of abusive and vile language. Nobody knows why his X account was suspended. X has a very low bar for suspension, and the public should know and Reform should tell us why his account was suspended.'
Vorderman also criticised Reform UK more broadly, stating: 'It's yet another pattern of Reform. Let's not forget that Nigel Farage has been photographed with Andrew Tate, he described Tate as an 'important voice' for young men. If anyone's seriously thinking that Reform stands for the safety of women, then please think again. They stand for reducing women's rights and safety.' She noted that Reform has stated it would abolish the Equality Act, which would scrap protections against workplace discrimination, equal pay rights, and maternity leave, and that the party did not disclose the conviction of one of its 2024 MPs, James McMurdock, for assaulting his then-girlfriend.
Reform UK's Statement
A Reform UK spokesman said: 'We fully back Cllr Kenyon. He is an excellent, local candidate who we are confident will be a superb MP for Makerfield. These comments were made before he was in politics. Rob isn't a polished, professional politician and doesn't speak like one. That's precisely why he'll be a straight-talking, effective voice for normal working people in Makerfield.'
In response, Vorderman said: 'So basically, it doesn't matter how misogynistic or otherwise he has been as far as Reform are concerned. And they didn't care that their MP James McMurdock had been put in jail for kicking his girlfriend outside a nightclub and that it hadn't been declared. They simply don't care at all.'
Labour's Reaction
A Labour Party spokesman commented: 'Robert Kenyon's comments online are disgusting and show that he's not fit to represent Makerfield. From creepy remarks about women, to peddling baseless conspiracy theories, this is appalling stuff from a parliamentary candidate - on top of being Facebook friends with a fascist campaigner. Nigel Farage needs to explain why Reform UK selected him in the first place.'
