Carol Vorderman has dismissed Reform UK's candidate in the Makerfield by-election as a 'disgusting online abuser' over a number of misogynistic posts from his now-deleted X account. Robert Kenyon, a local plumber standing as Nigel Farage's candidate, has been criticised for a degrading comment about Ms Vorderman, as well as crude remarks about female rugby players.
Vorderman's Strong Response
Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Carol 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 being blocked by Sky Sports Rugby League for his online behaviour. She added: 'It's a torrent of abusive and vile language. Nobody knows why his X account was suspended. The public should know and Reform should tell us why.'
Reform UK's Defence
Reform UK stood by Kenyon, claiming his lack of 'polish' makes him an effective MP. A party 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.'
Wider Concerns About Reform
Vorderman also criticised Nigel Farage's party, noting Farage's association with Andrew Tate, whom he described as an 'important voice' for young men. She warned: '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. They've already stated they would abolish the Equality Act, which would scrap protections against workplace discrimination, equal pay rights, maternity leave.'
Labour also condemned Kenyon. A party spokesman said: '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. Nigel Farage needs to explain why Reform UK selected him in the first place.'
