A Reform UK candidate in the Makerfield by-election has been branded a 'sexist plumber' and criticised for refusing to apologise to Carol Vorderman over a derogatory online remark. During a special episode of BBC Question Time, an audience member told Mr Kenyon: 'I would rather have a career politician than a sexist plumber.'
Mr Kenyon also failed to defend Nigel Farage over a £5 million gift from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne, which is being investigated by Parliament's standards commissioner. The exchange came as Labour's Andy Burnham confirmed for the first time that he would challenge Prime Minister Keir Starmer if he becomes an MP and a leadership race is triggered.
During the programme, the Greater Manchester Mayor joked that 'Wes Streeting seems to have launched a leadership contest' and said he had asked his aides to have a 'proper look at this'. Reacting to his comments, Deputy PM David Lammy said Burnham would be a 'great asset in Westminster' but that Starmer has a five-year mandate to serve in Number 10.
A Number 10 spokesperson said: 'The country expects us to focus on governing and to deliver change for hardworking people, not get distracted by Westminster debates.' Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has urged FIFA to 'think of the fans' after they announced a ban on reusable water bottles at World Cup stadiums, citing concerns over supporter welfare in extreme heat.
