Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK by-election candidate for Makerfield, has been accused of making a series of sexist and anti-abortion comments on online forums. The allegations include claims that women have abortions for 'vanity purposes' and that they 'can't drive'.
The comments were reportedly made on a rugby league forum under the username 'post', which was linked to Kenyon's Twitter handle @robkenyon1 and promoted his book. In one post, he allegedly wrote that women seeking abortions are 'deciding to kill a baby inside the womb' and treat it as a 'secondary last chance form of contraception'.
Further posts from a now-deleted Twitter account reportedly included claims that 'life begins at conception' and that abortion is 'the cowardly act of murdering a defenceless baby'. Kenyon is also alleged to have made derogatory remarks about English women's appearance and stated that women cannot 'ref, drive or give directions', adding: 'I'm sexist, sorry but I am.'
The candidate faces additional scrutiny over lewd comments about Carol Vorderman, who has demanded an apology. Labour chair Anna Turley criticised the remarks as 'horrendous misogyny' and 'sexism', contrasting Kenyon with Labour candidate Andy Burnham.
A Reform UK spokesman defended Kenyon, stating the comments were made before he entered politics and that he is entitled to his personal opinions on abortion. The spokesman added: '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.'
