Reform's Robert Kenyon says 'I have nothing but respect for women' as he denies being sexist

Reform UK's Robert Kenyon said 'I have nothing but respect for women' as he denied being sexist. The Makerfield candidate appeared as a panellist on BBC's Question Time on Thursday evening (June 4). The BBC show came live from Makerfield for the special programme from the constituency, with Fiona Bruce anchoring the show. On the panel was Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham ; Robert Kenyon of Reform UK; Michael Winstanley from the Conservatives ; Jake Austin from the Lib Dems and Sarah Wakefield of the Green Party.

Questions were taken from members of the audience about policing and the building of homes on the green belt. During the panel, Mr Kenyon was also asked about alleged sexist comments. Click here for our dedicated Makerfield by-election newsletter with the latest updates and analysis He said he "won’t accept” being labelled as sexist after facing backlash over a series of comments he reportedly made on social media. The self-employed plumber said he has “made mistakes” and “said things years ago that I wouldn’t say now”.

After a member of the Question Time audience described him as sexist, he said: “I won’t accept that label, I mean a lot of the things have been said 15 years ago. I hold my hands up, I’ve made mistakes… “I was brought up by a single parent and my grandma, who was a widow, and an older sister. Join our new Makerfield by-election WhatsApp community by clicking this link for the latest news. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners.

If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . “So I was brought up by women. I’ve got nothing but respect for women, you know, so I think something that’s said, you know, 15 years ago, dragged up from an old rugby forum, you know, it’s completely taken out of context. “And like I say, I’ve made mistakes, I’ve said things years ago that I wouldn’t say now and I definitely don’t believe that, on that point.” Mr Kenyon then added: “I’ve got nothing but respect for women.”