Labour Challenges Reform UK Over Makerfield Candidate Robert Kenyon’s Alleged Fascist Links
The Labour Party has called for urgent clarification from Reform UK regarding what it describes as “serious and deeply troubling allegations” concerning the social media presence of Robert Kenyon, their candidate for the Makerfield by-election.
Campaigning group Searchlight asserts that Mr Kenyon was previously connected on a now-deleted Facebook profile with Gary Raikes, identified as a fascist campaigner. Reform UK has not disputed this particular claim. Additionally, Mr Kenyon's X account was terminated by the platform in 2024, with Reform UK offering no public explanation for its removal.
Reform UK stated that Mr Kenyon’s Facebook page was removed subsequent to his election as a local councillor earlier this month. The party indicated the deleted page was a “conventional Facebook page” and that a new public-facing profile was deemed appropriate following his entry into public office. Reform UK maintains that Mr Kenyon never directly communicated with Mr Raikes, asserting that a “Facebook friend” connection does not equate to an endorsement of Mr Raikes’ views.
A Labour spokesperson demanded that Nigel Farage “urgently come clean on whether Reform were aware of his candidate’s apparent fascist friends.” The spokesperson added, “Robert Kenyon must also explain himself to those he is seeking to represent. What is his relationship with this man? Voters in Makerfield and across Britain deserve an answer.”
Separately, the Green Party of England and Wales is proceeding with its own candidate selection for the Makerfield by-election, rebuffing suggestions of a potential arrangement with Labour to stand aside. The Greens aim to position themselves as a national alternative to Labour on the left, concluding that withdrawing from the contest would undermine this strategy, despite some internal discussions regarding strategic electoral alliances among “progressive parties.” Restore Britain has also put forward a candidate, potentially fragmenting support for Reform UK.
