Reform UK's Makerfield candidate, Robert Kenyon, has become the focal point of intense controversy following the emergence of multiple allegations concerning his historical social media posts. These allegations, which include claims of sexism, misogyny, vaccine skepticism, and other derogatory remarks, have deeply divided voters in the upcoming by-election.

Among the most widely reported allegations are lewd and sexually explicit comments. Kenyon is accused of making derogatory remarks about television presenter Carol Vorderman and sharing a sexually explicit post directed at her. Further claims include posts suggesting women have abortions for 'vanity purposes' and a deleted X (formerly Twitter) post where his account, @robkenyon1, shared a sexually explicit comment about a neighbour. Another post, in response to a photograph of Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, suggested Johnson was 'batting' and questioned why an attractive female would be with someone in a high political position, musing, 'Must be hung like a donkey.'

Beyond comments targeting women, Kenyon's alleged posts reveal other controversial views. On climate change, he reportedly called it a 'middle class problem' and questioned the scientific consensus, asking if schoolchildren would be taught about the ice age and the Earth's natural warming. During the 2020 lockdown, his account allegedly posted 'Hang all 3' in reference to billionaires Richard Branson, Philip Green, and Joe Lewis, who were reportedly bailed out by taxpayer money to support their workers. He has also been accused of sharing COVID-19 misinformation and homophobic and transphobic insults.

Voter reactions in Makerfield have been mixed, ranging from disgust and skepticism to indifference. Supporters of the Labour party have condemned the alleged posts as 'disgusting' and 'idiotic.' Peter Gooch, a 51-year-old software development manager, stated he couldn't believe anyone would vote for someone who says 'rubbish down' like that. Conversely, many Reform UK supporters have dismissed the comments as mere 'pub banter' and expressed skepticism about the legitimacy of the claims. Wayne Croft, 55, believed the allegations were 'scaremongering or lies' and affirmed they would not deter him from voting Reform. Decorator Michael Dumican, also 55, echoed this sentiment, likening the comments to Sunday afternoon pub talk and questioning whether Kenyon 'actually said it.'

Public figures have also weighed in. Carol Vorderman herself called Kenyon a 'misogynist' and demanded an apology for his 'disgusting comments.' Labour party chair Anna Turley condemned the 'horrendous misogyny, sexism, some really vile comments on social media' attributed to the Reform candidate. Junior health minister Sharon Hodgson strongly criticized Kenyon's alleged vaccine skepticism, stating that for a candidate to 'actively encouraged people not to take potentially life-saving booster vaccines exposes just how unfit for office he is.'

Kenyon's alleged anti-vaccine and COVID-19 skeptical views are detailed in further unearthed messages. In July 2022, he claimed to have had COVID-19 asymptomatically without a booster and advised someone feeling ill to 'Wait longer, take vitamins, stop having boosters.' In February 2023, he reacted to Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty's advice for boosters with a derogatory remark. On a rugby league forum, he speculated that news of a variant affecting children might be a tactic to 'scare parents into getting their kids jabbed,' adding, 'I smell a rat.' This stance aligns with some broader views within Reform UK, as evidenced by a controversial doctor at a party conference arguing COVID vaccines 'created havoc.'

Despite the mounting allegations, Reform UK has consistently backed its candidate. The party's spokesman stated that these comments were made 'before Cllr Kenyon entered politics' and that he is 'perfectly entitled to his own personal opinions on abortion.' They emphasized that Kenyon 'isn’t a polished, professional politician and doesn’t speak like one,' asserting this is 'precisely why he’ll be a straight-talking, effective voice for normal working people in Makerfield.' They also confirmed Kenyon had all his COVID jabs and his children are fully vaccinated, challenging the perception of his vaccine views.

The Makerfield by-election, featuring a diverse list of candidates including Andy Burnham for Labour, is proving to be a highly contentious contest, with these allegations significantly shaping the political discourse.