Reform’s candidate in the contentious by-election has declined to offer an apology to Carol Vorderman following inappropriate comments directed at the former Countdown host. Robert Kenyon, who is running against Labour’s Andy Burnham in the Makerfield race, stated that he did not intend any offense. Pressure has mounted on Nigel Farage to withdraw his party’s support for Kenyon after remarks emerged from a deleted online account.
The group HopeNotHate uncovered the account, revealing that Kenyon had defended a derogatory message about Carol in 2021. Despite receiving criticism, Kenyon justified his comment by stating, “He’s only saying what we’re all thinking.” Carol demanded an apology from Kenyon, emphasizing that his online behavior was unacceptable.
In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Kenyon acknowledged his past mistakes and described his comments as a misguided attempt at humor. When pressed to apologize directly, he reiterated that no harm was intended and suggested that similar language could be heard in casual settings.
Former Labour Cabinet minister Louise Haigh condemned Kenyon’s behavior, asserting that Reform had failed to vet him adequately. She argued that Kenyon’s disrespectful and sexist posts disqualify him from serving as an MP and called for his immediate removal as a candidate. In response, a Reform UK spokesperson expressed full support for Kenyon, highlighting his local roots and straightforward communication style as assets for representing the people of Makerfield effectively.
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