Reform UK confirmed it knew about the deleted, controversial social media accounts of Robert Kenyon before selecting him as its candidate [1].
The admission follows growing scrutiny over the party's vetting process and the suitability of its representatives in the United Kingdom. By acknowledging prior knowledge of the posts, the party faces questions regarding the standards it applies to its candidates during selection.
Kenyon, 41 [2], was selected to run in the Makerfield constituency in Greater Manchester [1]. The by-election for the seat took place on June 18, 2024 [2]. The controversy centers on content from accounts that had been deleted before the public scrutiny intensified.
Reform UK said it confirmed this knowledge to address the scrutiny and maintain transparency about how it selects candidates [1]. The party's decision to proceed with Kenyon's candidacy despite the nature of the posts has drawn attention to the internal criteria used by the organization.
While the party's platform emphasizes a hard Brexit, reports indicate a contradiction in Kenyon's personal history. Some reports state Kenyon voted Remain in the 2016 Brexit referendum, though the party continues to campaign for a hard Brexit [3].
The Makerfield contest served as a focal point for the party's regional strategy in Greater Manchester. The revelation that the party was aware of the candidate's online history prior to the June 2024 vote [2] suggests that the party viewed the posts as manageable or acceptable within their selection framework [1].
“Reform UK confirmed it knew about the deleted, controversial social media accounts of Robert Kenyon before selecting him.”
This admission suggests that Reform UK may prioritize specific candidate profiles or regional viability over the scrubbing of a candidate's digital footprint. It highlights a tension between the party's public image and its internal vetting standards, potentially signaling a willingness to overlook controversial social media histories to field candidates in key constituencies.
