Nigel Farage has failed to take action after criticism of unearthed social media posts by Reform's by-election candidate Robert Kenyon, who has openly admitted to being a self-described sexist. The comments, which have been described as degrading to women, have sparked outrage among opponents who accuse the party of ignoring misogyny.
Labour chair Anna Turley condemned the party's response, stating that Reform is trying to brush off the scandal as 'straight talking'. She argued that the party is now openly happy to turn a blind eye to rank misogyny and actively wants voters to support a candidate who has made unacceptable and derogatory comments about women.
Turley, a former Labour MP for Redcar, said the women of Makerfield deserve better than a candidate who pushes dangerous and divisive rhetoric. She noted that Farage's key adviser, Danny Kruger, claimed Kenyon's past comments were private and those of an ordinary man, yet the party still considers him fit to be an MP.
While Reform continues to be mired in scandal, Labour's Andy Burnham has been running a positive campaign across the constituency, speaking with voters about local concerns and pledging to bring communities together rather than divide them. The by-election is scheduled for Thursday 18 June.
