Rayner blasts Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon as Farage’s ‘sexist puppet’
Angela Rayner’s warning to Andy Burnham amid controversy over Kenyon’s remarks
Rayner blasts Reform UK candidate Rob Kenyon – Labour’s deputy leader, Angela Rayner, has sharply criticized Reform UK’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election, Robert Kenyon, calling him a “sexist puppet” of Nigel Farage. Her remarks come amid mounting pressure on Kenyon as his past online comments resurface in the lead-up to the pivotal contest on Thursday. Rayner emphasized the importance of securing a win for Andy Burnham, the Labour mayor of Greater Manchester, in what she described as a crucial moment for the party’s campaign to reclaim parliamentary representation.
“I know that this conference is an important thing that’s happening this week, but there’s also an election on Thursday,” Rayner told the Unison national conference. “A choice between Andy Burnham and Nigel Farage’s sexist puppet. It is a fight that we must win. But that is just the start, conference, we must finish the job on workers’ rights.”
Kenyon’s candidacy has been embroiled in controversy after a series of previously deleted social media posts were re-shared, drawing sharp criticism. The remarks, which include claims that women are incapable of certain tasks, have sparked accusations of sexism. Rayner’s direct confrontation with Kenyon highlights the political stakes of the Makerfield contest, which could determine whether Burnham reenters parliament and challenges Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Backlash Against Kenyon’s Comments
The controversy escalated when comments from Kenyon’s X account, now removed, were brought to public attention. Among them was a statement asserting that women cannot “ref, drive or give directions,” accompanied by the line: “I’m sexist, sorry but I am.” These remarks, though originating from a decade ago, have reignited debates about gender bias in politics and the role of social media in amplifying old controversies.
Additional posts from Kenyon’s account in the 2010s were unearthed, revealing his tendency to objectify European women in a rugby league fan forum. In one instance, he remarked that English women “don’t care” and “just walk around with their fat bellies and odd shapes pushing a pram at 16 in their PJ’s.” Another post described European women as having “really good figures” and “good looking” bodies, contrasting them with English women. These comments, though lighthearted in tone, have been interpreted as dismissive of women’s capabilities and contributions.
Kenyon’s remarks were further scrutinized when he responded to a post featuring images of women with the comment: “Wouldn’t get me off any of those with a bazooka.” The exchange, which took place on an online forum, has been cited as an example of his attitude toward women. A fellow user pointed out the irony of sharing such content publicly, suggesting that Kenyon’s computer drive might need checking.
Polling Data Shows Tight Race
The Independent’s latest constituency poll reveals a narrow lead for Andy Burnham in Makerfield, with him holding 46% support. Kenyon trails behind with 41%, placing him just five percentage points away from Burnham. However, the margin of error—approximately 5%—and the possibility of late-campaign shifts mean the race remains highly uncertain.
Burnham’s campaign has focused on workers’ rights and local governance, positioning him as a progressive figure capable of challenging Starmer’s leadership. Kenyon, on the other hand, has framed his candidacy as a continuation of Reform UK’s broader agenda to promote individualism and reduce the role of the state in people’s lives. The tight polling numbers suggest that the outcome hinges on voter perceptions of both candidates’ policies and personal conduct.
Kenyon Defends His Remarks
Kenyon has defended his past comments, dismissing them as “locker room banter” that reflects outdated attitudes rather than intentional sexism. During an appearance on a BBC Question Time special dedicated to the Makerfield by-election, he argued that the statements were taken out of context. “I won’t accept that label,” he said. “A lot of the things have been said 15 years ago. I was brought up by women—my grandma, an older sister, and a single parent. I’ve got nothing but respect for women, so I think something that’s said 15 years ago, dragged up from an old rugby forum, is completely taken out of context.”
Kenyon also acknowledged that he has made mistakes in the past, stating: “I’ve said things years ago that I wouldn’t say now and I definitely don’t believe that, on that point.” His defense emphasizes personal experience and the evolving nature of public discourse, though critics argue that his comments still reflect a gendered perspective that undermines women’s autonomy.
Broader Implications for the Election
The Makerfield by-election has become a focal point for debates about the influence of Reform UK in the political landscape. As a new party, Reform UK aims to position itself as a centrist alternative to both Labour and the Conservatives, but its candidate’s comments have drawn scrutiny over its commitment to equality. Rayner’s criticism underscores the importance of the election as a test case for the party’s ability to appeal to a diverse electorate.
With the polls showing a close race, Kenyon’s campaign has sought to leverage his reputation as a reformist voice, contrasting it with Burnham’s more traditional Labour platform. However, the resurfacing of his sexist remarks has complicated this narrative, forcing Reform UK to address accusations of insensitivity. The debate over Kenyon’s comments also highlights the role of social media in shaping political reputations and the challenges of maintaining a consistent image in the digital age.
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Reform UK
As the election approaches, the controversy surrounding Kenyon’s past remarks has intensified. While he maintains that his statements are not inherently sexist, the backlash from Labour and its allies has painted him as a figure representing the outdated values of the far-right. Rayner’s warning to Burnham serves as a reminder of the importance of the race, not only for the future of the Makerfield constituency but also for the broader struggle to define the political direction of the UK.
The Makerfield by-election is more than a local contest—it is a microcosm of the national conversation about gender, politics, and public accountability. Kenyon’s comments have sparked a dialogue about how far-right ideologies can manifest in everyday language and the consequences of such rhetoric in shaping voter sentiment. As the final days of the campaign unfold, the outcome will likely hinge on whether voters prioritize policy over personal conduct, or vice versa.
