WATCH: Reform by-election candidate squirms in disastrous interview over outdated posts
Robert Kenyon has faced a furious backlash over previous online comments including claims women can’t drive, defending the annexation of Crimea, and crass remarks about Carol Vorderman
Reform’s by-election candidate has been grilled over his vile social media posts in a disastrous interview.
Robert Kenyon has faced a furious backlash over previous online comments including claims women can’t drive, defending the annexation of Crimea, and crass remarks about Carol Vorderman.
He is facing off with Andy Burnham in the Makerfield by-election, in a vote which could pave the way for the Greater Manchester Mayor to challenge Keir Starmer.
In a humiliating interview, Mr Kenyon has now admitted making the posts, but continued to resist calls to apologise.
This included questions about comments he made in relation to TV presenter, Ms Vorderman, in which he responded to a sexually graphic post about the TV presenter with a thumbs up and laughing emoji and a comment saying “He’s only saying what we’re all thinking”.
Asked about the post, he said: “I’ve not made sexual remarks about Carol Vorderman, somebody else did. But then I responded with a crass joke about that comment. So I personally didn’t make the comment.”
He was also skewered over another post on the forum, in which he said: “I’m sexist, sorry but I am. Women can’t referee, drive or give directions”.
Mr Kenyon claimed those comments could be “put to bed” as his wife had once given him directions. He said: “I know that’s false because my wife reminded me last night that she once directed us to Aberystwyth on an AA route map, so she’s put that one to bed”.
He was also challenged over his comments that Russia was “within their rights” to invade Crimea in 2014.
Asked if he was sympathetic to Putin, he said: “Absolutely not. I served in the Army Reserve since, and I’m totally against the illegal annexation of Crimea and the invasion. It’s something I’ve said. I’m a lot more informed now. I think that’s the best thing to say.”
Mr Kenyon also appeared flustered facing questions on posts where he called Brexit something pushed by politicians who “peddled the nationalistic pish”.
The plumber insisted he “100%” voted for Brexit, adding he had “no recollection of saying that”. He said: “To be honest, I don’t even know what context…. I’m not sure what nationalistic pish means.”
Responding to the interview, Anna Turley MP, Chair of the Labour Party, said: “Robert Kenyon isn’t fit for office. His shameless attempt to try and brush off some of the appalling comments he’s made is a complete insult to voters in Makerfield. Kenyon should apologise for the vile comments he’s made about women, his past appalling homophobic slurs, and for parroting Kremlin talking points on Ukraine.
“He also needs to explain why, if he did indeed vote for Brexit, he indicated he hadn’t online just hours after the referendum. He clearly isn’t being straight with voters.
“While Farage’s candidate continues to be mired in scandal, Labour’s Andy Burnham is speaking to local residents across the constituency about how to deliver investment to Makerfield and bring communities together. Send Reform packing on Thursday 18 June – vote for Labour’s Andy Burnham.”
