In the eastern part of Makerfield constituency, at the Bickershaw Village Community Club, a gathering of women is engaged in conversations over tea and treats. Surrounding them are sewing machines, buttons, and fabric scraps as they discuss the ongoing election that has brought a flurry of campaigners, canvassers, and media attention to their once tranquil neighborhood. Despite their diverse political opinions, there is unanimous agreement among them. The Reform candidate, Robert Kenyon, who has been unapologetic about past misogynistic social media posts and openly admitted to sexist behavior, is tarnishing the reputation of men in Makerfield.
Theresa Robinson, 57, remembers her late husband as a true gentleman and expresses disapproval of Kenyon’s conduct. Referring to him as ‘Sexist Rob’, local women are critical of his disrespectful remarks about prominent women and his derogatory views on female capabilities. Kenyon’s offensive social media posts have sparked outrage among women, particularly his derogatory comments about women’s appearances and abilities.
Kenyon’s failure to apologize for his offensive statements during a televised appearance on BBC Question Time has further fueled the discontent among local women. Many, like Amy Madden, find his views repugnant and view his refusal to acknowledge his mistakes as a disqualifying factor for representing the constituency. The sentiment against Kenyon is strong, with a significant portion of women showing support for Andy Burnham instead.
Recent polling data indicates a clear lead for Andy Burnham among female voters in Makerfield, while male voters remain divided between Burnham and Kenyon. The Reform candidate’s support among women lags behind that of men, reflecting the widespread disapproval of his behavior among female constituents.
Criticism of Kenyon extends beyond his controversial remarks to his party’s policies, which are perceived as detrimental to women’s rights and well-being. Concerns are raised about potential rollbacks of hard-fought reproductive rights and essential support services for mental health, impacting many women in the area.
In the face of mounting criticism, Kenyon’s attempts to downplay his past comments and portray himself as an ordinary individual have failed to resonate with the local community. Women like Amanda Robinson emphasize the real dangers posed by Kenyon’s attitudes and policies, highlighting the potential harm they could inflict on women in Makerfield and beyond.
As the election draws near, the community remains divided over Kenyon’s candidacy, with many expressing disappointment and concern about his suitability for office. The backlash against Kenyon’s controversial views is not confined to women; men like Dave Baxter also voice their disapproval, questioning the candidate’s alignment with the values of the constituency.
In the final days leading up to the election, the spotlight remains on the women of Makerfield, who hold significant influence over the outcome. Their collective power and decisive votes may shape the course of political history in this pivotal moment for British democracy.