Nigel Farage’s Reform Party is facing backlash over allegations of sexism involving its Makerfield candidate, Robert Kenyon. Kenyon was accused of making derogatory remarks about women on social media platforms from the 2010s, including stating that women on TV sports broadcasts were inadequate and present only to meet a quota. He also made controversial comments about women who have abortions, implying they do so for superficial reasons.
In response to the controversy, Reform Party dismissed the comments as “locker room banter” and defended Kenyon’s right to hold personal opinions on abortion as a matter of conscience. The situation has raised concerns about the party’s stance on women’s rights and Nigel Farage’s leadership.
Labour swiftly criticized Reform Party for supporting a candidate with a history of sexism and homophobia, accusing them of endorsing such attitudes.
The recent remarks by Kenyon have further tarnished Reform’s image, adding to the pattern of controversial statements made by Farage and other party members in the past. Farage’s alignment with Donald Trump’s contentious remarks in the past and his views on gender roles have also sparked outrage.
In a separate incident, Reform councillor Peter York faced backlash for making derogatory remarks about women during an International Women’s Day event. The comments were deemed a likely breach of the council’s code of conduct, leading to the initiation of remedial action and training on respectful communication.
The controversies surrounding Reform Party members have raised questions about the party’s stance on women’s rights and its commitment to respectful discourse.