Reform UK’s candidate in the upcoming by-election is under scrutiny for alleged homophobic remarks attributed to an account associated with him. Robert Kenyon, running against Labour’s Andy Burnham in Makerfield, supposedly made derogatory comments about gay men on an archived rugby league forum, RLFans.
The candidate, already facing criticism for alleged misogyny, has been linked to an account on the platform under the username ‘post,’ referencing Mr. Kenyon’s now-deleted handle @robkenyon1 and promoting his novel, “Blood Waltz.”
In past posts from 2009 and subsequent years, comments attributed to the account included derogatory remarks about homosexuals in the media and objections to a rugby club’s ‘Pride Day’ celebration. Labour chair Anna Turley condemned Kenyon’s statements as divisive, while a Reform UK spokesperson dismissed the criticism, stating that the comments were made long before Kenyon entered politics.
Additionally, Kenyon is facing backlash for remarks made on the same forum about women’s reproductive rights, where he allegedly made controversial statements regarding abortions. Despite the controversies, Kenyon confirmed his support for Brexit, differing from Andy Burnham’s stance on the issue.
Reform UK has stood by their candidate amid calls to withdraw support, including demands for an apology from Kenyon by public figures like Carol Vorderman. The ongoing controversies have sparked debates about Kenyon’s suitability for public office.