Vorderman demands apology from Reform UK candidate over misogynistic posts

Broadcaster Carol Vorderman has publicly demanded an apology from Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield byelection, following the revelation of past social media posts describing women in misogynistic terms. Vorderman characterised Kenyon as a “cowardly man” and a “misogynist” after he deleted his social media accounts containing the offensive comments, stating she sought an apology from him and “all the other people he’s abused online”.

The controversy centres on posts unearthed by media outlets, including a 2019 entry on a rugby league forum where Kenyon declared, “I’m sexist, sorry but I am,” and asserted that women presenting rugby games on television “aren’t up to the job and only there to tick a box”. Additional reports indicated claims that women who have abortions do so for “vanity purposes” and that women are incapable of refereeing, driving, or giving directions.

Reform UK’s Danny Kruger, who joined the party in September of the previous year, defended Kenyon during an appearance on BBC Radio 4. Kruger argued that the comments were private conversations made before Kenyon entered politics and should not be viewed as serious enough to warrant removing him as the byelection candidate. While conceding the language was inappropriate, Kruger maintained that Kenyon was an “ordinary man from an ordinary place” who was now stepping forward due to outrage at the state of the country.

Vorderman, aged 65, dismissed Kruger’s defence, highlighting her own background growing up in poverty in north Wales and living in the north of England to counter the characterisation of Kenyon as merely ordinary. She argued that because the posts were made on public platforms, they constituted online abuse. She warned that if Reform UK condones such behaviour, “all women in Makerfield need to know that” the party views abuse against women as acceptable.

Labour’s Angela Rayner also condemned the party’s handling of the situation, telling the Daily Mirror that it demonstrates Reform UK is allowing “repulsive misogynistic abuse to stand”. A Reform spokesperson later stated that Kenyon is entitled to his personal opinions on abortion, describing it as a matter of conscience, and noted that he is not a “polished, professional politician” but rather a “straight-talking” voice for working people in Makerfield.

The Makerfield byelection is scheduled for next month, with Kenyon set to face Labour’s Andy Burnham. The seat became vacant following the withdrawal of the initial Green Party candidate, though the specific reasons for their departure remain undisclosed. Reform and Wigan council have been contacted for further comment.