Carol Vorderman has called for an apology from the Reform UK candidate in the Makerfield byelection over offensive social media posts he made about her previously. The presenter and former Countdown star labeled Robert Kenyon, backed by Reform to challenge Andy Burnham in next month’s contest, a “cowardly man” after a series of deleted remarks by the Wigan councillor. Vorderman, who recently shared a video calling Kenyon a misogynist, told the Daily Mirror she sought an apology from him to herself and others targeted online. In 2021, Kenyon replied to a post suggesting a user wanted to perform a sexual act on Vorderman by stating he was expressing a common thought. Danny Kruger, who joined Reform last September, defended the remarks on BBC Radio 4, describing them as inappropriate yet not serious enough to remove Kenyon from the race. He noted the comments were seen as private at the time and that Kenyon was an ordinary person stepping into politics out of frustration with national conditions. Vorderman rejected this view, arguing that public posts on open platforms constitute abuse and that excuses based on ordinary status do not apply. She highlighted her own background and insisted the remarks reflect poorly on the party. Labour’s Angela Rayner also condemned the statements, saying they reveal Reform’s tolerance for misogynistic abuse. Additional posts by Kenyon on other platforms from 2019 have surfaced, including claims about women seeking abortions for vanity and comments questioning women’s abilities in refereeing, driving, and television presenting. Reform stated the remarks predated his political involvement and emphasized personal opinions on conscience issues like abortion. The party described him as an unpolished voice for working people. Reform and Wigan council were approached for comment.
