Reform's Robert Kenyon: 'Labour's taking people for granted - let's show them democracy'

Reform's Robert Kenyon: 'Labour's taking people for granted - let's show them democracy'Reform UK's Robert Kenyon opens up on fighting Labour's machine, his rugby roots, and why he believes the heartland seat is ready to reject Sir Keir Starmer Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By David Williamson, Chief Political Commentator 07:00, Sun, May 31, 2026 Robert Kenyon tells David Williamson about his journey from Rugby League to standing for Parliament (Image: Tim Merry / Humphrey Nemar)Robert Kenyon is used to tackling crises for the people of Makerfield. As a plumber, he arrives in homes across the constituency to fix leaks and blockages. Now he wants the chance to get to grips with an even greater range of problems as Reform UK’s newest Member of Parliament.The June 18 by-election is like none in recent history. It was triggered when the sitting Labour MP quit to give Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham the opportunity to return to Parliament and replace Sir Keir Starmer as Prime Minister. The eyes of the world are on Makerfield. If Mr Burnham triumphs, the White House, NATO, the bond markets, the EU, Moscow and Beijing will prepare for a new battle for Number No 10. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENTBut if Mr Kenyon, a 41-year-old dad of two, can stop Mr Burnham in his tracks, Labour will be humiliated and devastated at the loss of a heartland seat which has always been painted red. Victory here would cement expectations that Nigel Farage will be Prime Minister after the next general election. For the man Reform has dubbed the “plucky plumber”, this is unfinished business. He fought the seat in the 2024 contest and finished second, just 5,399 votes behind Labour in a landslide election year.His latest campaign has been rocked by multiple revelations about past comments posted on social media, some of which have raised sharp questions about his attitude...