The candidate representing Reform UK in the Makerfield by-election is under scrutiny for concerning allegations linked to his social media presence. Robert Kenyon, the chosen candidate for Nigel Farage’s party, is facing accusations from the campaign group Searchlight regarding his association with Gary Raikes, identified as a fascist campaigner on Facebook. It is alleged that Kenyon was connected with Raikes on a now-deleted Facebook page. Moreover, there are reservations about Kenyon’s past activity on Twitter, as his account was seemingly deactivated in 2024.
In response to the removal of Kenyon’s Facebook page, the Reform party clarified that the decision was made to establish a more public profile after his recent appointment as a councillor following the local elections. Farage’s party emphasized that being friends with someone on Facebook does not imply agreement with their beliefs and asserted that Kenyon had no direct interaction with Raikes. Despite these explanations, the Labour Party described the allegations against Kenyon as “serious and deeply troubling,” urging him to address the concerns of the Makerfield community.
A spokesperson for Labour expressed the gravity of the situation, calling for transparency from Nigel Farage regarding Reform’s awareness of the candidate’s connections and urging Kenyon to clarify his relationship with the individual in question. The ongoing dispute has raised significant questions among voters in Makerfield and nationwide.
The Makerfield by-election is scheduled for June 18, as confirmed by Wigan Council. The Conservative Party has nominated former Wigan mayor Michael Winstanley as their candidate, while the Green Party introduced nurse and children’s safeguarding specialist Chris Kennedy as their representative, praised by Green party leader Zack Polanski. Reform UK has faced prior controversies over the conduct of its campaigners and councillors, including a suspension of a campaigner, Adam Mitula, due to racism allegations earlier this year.
Mitula’s suspension in February stemmed from inflammatory remarks uncovered by anti-racism group Hope Not Hate on his online accounts. The Labour Campaign spokesperson denounced Reform’s approach, accusing the party of promoting division within communities and demanding clarity on Mitula’s current status within the party.
The ongoing developments highlight the intense competition and scrutiny surrounding the Makerfield by-election, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency in the political landscape.