As the Makerfield byelection approaches on 18 June, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon has come under scrutiny for his past remarks regarding Covid-19 and vaccinations. With a history of controversial social media interactions, Kenyon’s scepticism about the pandemic and its associated health measures could significantly impact his campaign against Labour’s Andy Burnham.
Candidate’s Past Comments Resurface
Robert Kenyon, a plumber by profession, previously stood for Nigel Farage’s party during the 2024 general election and is now contesting the upcoming byelection. His candidacy has been marred by the discovery of deleted social media posts reflecting a mindset that questions the severity of Covid-19 and the effectiveness of vaccines.
Archived messages reveal Kenyon’s interactions with far-right figures and his vocal support for former US President Donald Trump. In a July 2022 post, he responded dismissively to a report about a new Covid variant, claiming, “It’s not making people sicker, I’ve no booster and had Covid last week asymptomatic.” This assertion has raised concerns about his understanding of public health issues.
When confronted about his views being based on personal experience, Kenyon maintained that multiple individuals he encountered had asymptomatic cases as well. He further claimed that his elderly mother-in-law experienced Covid merely as a cold, despite her chronic lung condition
