In a surprising turn of events as the Makerfield byelection approaches, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon has come under scrutiny for his sceptical views on Covid-19 and vaccines. As he prepares to challenge incumbent Andy Burnham on 18 June, Kenyon’s previously deleted social media posts have resurfaced, revealing his controversial stance on the pandemic and vaccinations.
Kenyon’s Covid Comments Resurface
Robert Kenyon, a plumber by trade, previously ran for election in Makerfield during the 2024 general election under Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party. His candidacy in the upcoming byelection has raised eyebrows due to his apparent dismissal of the severity of Covid-19. Archived posts from Kenyon’s now-deleted account reveal interactions with far-right figures and strong endorsements for Donald Trump, alongside troubling comments regarding the pandemic.
One notable post from July 2022 expressed his belief that a new variant was not significantly impacting health, stating, “It’s not making people sicker, I’ve no booster and had Covid last week asymptomatic.” Kenyon further claimed that others around him experienced the virus without symptoms, and even remarked that his elderly mother-in-law perceived the illness merely as a cold, despite her chronic lung condition.
Encouraging Vaccine Skepticism
The controversy deepened when Kenyon responded to a fellow X user who reported being ill with Covid, advising them to “wait longer, take vitamins, stop having boosters.” Such comments have raised concerns about his fitness for public office, especially in light of the significant death toll from the virus across the UK.
In February 2023, Kenyon took a further jab at the government’s health officials, quote-tweeting Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty’s encouragement for booster vaccinations with a profane retort. He also expressed doubts on a now-defunct rugby league forum, suggesting that reports of a variant affecting children were intended to scare parents into vaccinating their children, declaring, “I smell a rat.”
Political Backlash and Party Response
The fallout from Kenyon’s comments has prompted sharp criticism from various political figures. Sharon Hodgson, a junior health minister, condemned his remarks, stating, “Over 200,000 people died from Covid across Britain. How anyone seeking public office can have sought to have minimised the risk posed by the pandemic and undermined confidence in vaccines is beyond the pale.” She characterised Kenyon’s encouragement of vaccine hesitancy as a clear indication of his unsuitability for office.
However, a spokesperson for Reform UK defended Kenyon, asserting that he received all necessary Covid vaccinations during the pandemic and that his children are fully vaccinated. They emphasised that Kenyon’s comments were made prior to his entry into politics, portraying him as a straightforward candidate who resonates with the working populace of Makerfield.
The Political Landscape
As the byelection approaches, the implications of Kenyon’s views could significantly influence public perception and voter turnout. The contest against Burnham, a well-known Labour figure, will not only hinge on policy but also on the candidates’ credibility and public health stances.
Why it Matters
The revelations surrounding Robert Kenyon highlight a broader trend of vaccine scepticism within certain political factions, raising critical questions about public trust and health policy in the UK. As the nation continues to navigate the repercussions of the pandemic, candidates who undermine scientific consensus may jeopardise public health efforts and the collective response to future health crises. The Makerfield byelection will serve as a litmus test for how voters perceive such controversial viewpoints and their impact on governance.
