Carol Vorderman has demanded an apology from Reform UK's by-election candidate Robert Kenyon after lewd remarks about her were uncovered on a deleted social media account. The former Countdown star spoke exclusively to The Mirror as pressure mounts on Nigel Farage's party to withdraw its support for Kenyon, who is standing in the Makerfield by-election on June 18.
Vorderman's Demand
“I want an apology from Rob Kenyon, to me, and to all the other people he’s abused online,” Vorderman said. She rejected claims by Reform MP Danny Kruger that the comments were “private” and that Kenyon was “an ordinary man saying ordinary things.” Vorderman retorted: “No, I’m sorry, Kenyon isn’t an ordinary man. He's a cowardly man which is why he deleted one of his social media accounts.”
Political Backlash
Former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also criticised Reform, stating: “It says all you need to know about Reform that they are allowing this repulsive misogynistic abuse to stand.” Ex-Labour Cabinet minister Louise Haigh, leading Andy Burnham’s campaign, said the posts showed Kenyon is “not fit to be an MP” and called on Reform to remove him immediately.
Reform's Defence
Reform MP Danny Kruger defended Kenyon during a BBC Today programme interview, describing the comments as “inappropriate” but arguing they were “private comments” made before Kenyon entered politics. “He’s an ordinary man, from an ordinary place,” Kruger said. A Reform UK spokesman added: “We fully back Cllr Kenyon. These comments were made before he was in politics. Rob isn’t a polished, professional politician and doesn’t speak like one.”
Broader Condemnation
Senior Tory MP Alicia Kearns posted on X: “If their candidate thought Twitter replies are private he’s a moron, and the way he speaks about women… speaks for itself.” Labour Party chair Anna Turley said Kruger’s interview “tells voters everything they need to know about Reform’s judgement.” The by-election, triggered by a vacancy, will see Kenyon challenge Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham.
