Carol Vorderman has delivered a scathing response to Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon after resurfaced social media posts revealed a history of misogynistic comments. The TV star branded Kenyon a 'disgusting online abuser' in a brutal three-word takedown.
Background to the Controversy
Robert Kenyon, a plumber standing as the Reform UK candidate in the upcoming Makerfield by-election, was found by campaign group HopeNotHate to have operated two X accounts, one deleted and the other suspended. The posts included a degrading sexual message about Vorderman, to which Kenyon responded by saying the author was 'only saying what we're all thinking'. Other posts referenced being blocked by the Sky Sports Rugby League account for comments about women's rugby.
Vorderman's Response
Speaking to The Mirror, 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 added: 'He's been talking about how female rugby players "handle their knockers", saying if it's not "t**s, and a**e", and he'd been blocked by the Sky Sports Rugby League Twitter page for his online behaviour. It's a torrent of abusive and vile language.'
Vorderman emphasised that the comments go beyond 'being a lad' and constitute 'being a disgusting online abuser who became a Reform councillor three weeks ago'. She questioned why Kenyon's account was suspended, noting that X has a low bar for suspension and that the public deserves an explanation.
Reform UK's Defence
A Reform UK spokesman defended Kenyon, stating: '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.'
Labour's Reaction
A Labour Party spokesman condemned Kenyon's comments as 'disgusting' and stated that he is 'not fit to represent Makerfield'. The spokesman added: 'From creepy remarks about women, to peddling baseless conspiracy theories, this is appalling stuff from a parliamentary candidate – on top of being Facebook friends with a fascist campaigner. Nigel Farage needs to explain why Reform UK selected him in the first place.'
Makerfield By-Election Context
The by-election, set for June 18, has drawn significant attention. Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester Mayor and former health secretary, launched his campaign on Friday, positioning himself as a challenger to Sir Keir Starmer. Burnham told voters: 'I know my own party needs to change. We need to be better than we have been. A vote for me in this by-election is a vote to change Labour.' Allies suggest he may not immediately launch a leadership bid if successful. Meanwhile, Wes Streeting, who resigned from the Cabinet earlier this month, has openly discussed launching a campaign to oust Starmer.
