A group of women at the Bickershaw Village Community Club in the Makerfield constituency is engaged in discussions over tea and Mr Kipling’s French Fancies. Amidst the presence of embroidery equipment and fabric pieces, the MissPlaces women’s group is conversing about the ongoing election that has attracted various campaigners and media personnel to their once serene locality in England. Despite their diverse political stances, they are unified in their disapproval of the Reform candidate, Robert Kenyon, who has faced criticism for his misogynistic social media posts and acknowledged history of sexist remarks.
Theresa Robinson, 57, who recently lost her husband, expresses her disappointment in Kenyon’s behavior, citing that her late husband and sons would never exhibit such conduct. The group collectively refers to him as ‘Sexist Rob’ due to his derogatory comments about notable women like Carol Vorderman and his general sexist attitude towards women in various contexts.
Kenyon’s controversial social media activity, including offensive remarks about women and their rights, has sparked outrage among local women, leading to a significant backlash against his candidacy. Despite attempts to downplay his remarks as ordinary, many women in Makerfield, such as Amy Madden, founder of Wigan’s All Ears mental health charity, are appalled by Kenyon’s views and are opting to support Andy Burnham in the upcoming election.
Surveys indicate a notable gender divide in support, with Burnham enjoying a strong lead among Makerfield’s female population, while the Reform party struggles to garner significant female backing. Local women are particularly incensed by Kenyon’s failure to apologize for his controversial statements and the implications of Reform’s policies on vital women’s rights in the constituency.
The community’s sentiment towards Kenyon is not confined to women alone. Dave Baxter, a respected community figure in Platt Bridge, expresses concern over Kenyon’s alignment with controversial figures like Nigel Farage and questions Reform’s understanding of the constituency’s values. The broader consensus among the community is that Kenyon’s candidacy does not align with the progressive views held by the majority, especially concerning gender equality and women’s rights.
As the election day approaches, Makerfield residents face a critical decision that could shape the future of their constituency. The women of Makerfield, in particular, are poised to exert significant influence in determining the outcome of this historic election.