Nigel Farage has said Reform UK is “unapologetic” about its candidate in the Makerfield by-election, Robert Kenyon, who made offensive remarks on social media in the past. Mr Kenyon, standing against Labour’s Andy Burnham in the June 18 contest, used a now-deleted X account to support a post containing graphic sexual language about Welsh broadcaster Carol Vorderman. Messages published by campaign group Hope Not Hate showed that on Christmas Eve 2021, Mr Kenyon responded to another user’s post with a thumbs up and a laughing emoji, writing: “He’s only saying what we’re all thinking.”
Vorderman Demands Apology
Vorderman has demanded an apology from Mr Kenyon, branding him “cowardly”. During a press conference in the Makerfield constituency, Mr Farage dismissed the comments as “a few laddish things” and argued they were taken out of context. He contrasted Mr Kenyon with “Oxford-educated career politicians” and said such remarks are common in pubs across the country. Mr Farage added: “Rob is an ordinary bloke who’s carved quite a career for himself, had the guts to set up a business, served as an army reservist, is a patriot, likes his rugby, likes the odd pint, and said a few laddish things on social media 10 years ago. Do you know what I’d say to that? I’d say, so what?”
VAT Threshold Announcement
At the press conference, Mr Farage announced plans to increase the VAT threshold for small businesses from £90,000 to £150,000 annually, claiming such a step “couldn’t happen all the while we were in the grip of the European Union”. The by-election has also sparked debate over the UK’s relationship with the EU.
Downing Street rejected reports that Sir Keir Starmer plans to require ministers to quit if they wish to support Mr Burnham in any future Labour leadership contest. The Prime Minister’s spokesman insisted Sir Keir would stand in any leadership contest and is confident he can fend off challenges from Reform UK and other parties. Wes Streeting, former health secretary, has warned that Labour risks becoming the “handmaiden” to Reform under Sir Keir’s leadership. The Makerfield by-election takes place on Thursday, June 18.
