Overview
- This week multiple archived and deleted social posts linked to Robert Kenyon were published showing a 2014 forum reply that appeared to excuse Russia’s annexation of Crimea plus sexist, anti‑abortion, Covid‑sceptic and conspiracy‑linked remarks.
- Reform UK has repeatedly said it fully backs Kenyon and confirmed to POLITICO that he disclosed deleted social accounts during the party’s vetting before selection.
- Kenyon has defended himself in interviews as “rough around the edges,” apologised for mistakes and said the posts pre‑date his political life, but new examples and questions about his local roots have continued to surface.
- Opponents, campaign groups and some Reform figures condemned the material, with Labour using the revelations as a central attack line in a tightly fought by‑election where polls show Andy Burnham and Kenyon neck and neck for the June 18 vote.
- The controversy could reshape local campaigning and voter decisions by undermining Reform’s credibility on candidate screening and shifting support among women and swing voters, while national attention increases scrutiny of the party’s choices.