At the Bickershaw Village Community Club situated in the eastern part of the Makerfield constituency, a gathering of women is engaging in conversation over tea accompanied by Mr Kipling’s French Fancies.
Surrounded by sewing machines, buttons, and fabric scraps, the women’s group known as MissPlaces is discussing the ongoing election that has attracted a flurry of canvassers, campaigners, and media attention to their once tranquil corner of England. Despite their diverse political opinions, they all share a common sentiment. The Reform candidate, Robert Kenyon, who has been reluctant to apologize for past misogynistic social media posts and has openly acknowledged his sexist tendencies, is tarnishing the reputation of the men in Makerfield.
Theresa Robinson, 57, reminisces about her late husband Alan, portraying him as a true gentleman. She expresses her disapproval of Kenyon’s behavior, stating that neither her husband nor her sons would have exhibited such conduct, and she wouldn’t want her daughter associating with someone like Kenyon.
Dubbed by local women as ‘Sexist Rob’, Kenyon’s attempts to portray himself as “handsome Rob, the plucky plumber” through unofficial social media campaigns have been overshadowed by his derogatory remarks about women, including public figures like Carol Vorderman. His offensive social media posts, such as belittling women’s capabilities in various fields and making crude comments, have sparked outrage among the community.
Kenyon’s refusal to apologize during a BBC Question Time session, along with Reform’s assertion that his remarks are commonplace, has further fueled the discontent among local women. Many, like Amy Madden, are appalled by Kenyon’s behavior and his lack of remorse. They view his attitude as regressive and a setback for the progress made in gender equality.
The latest opinion polls reflect a significant lead for Andy Burnham among Makerfield’s female voters, highlighting a stark gender divide in support for the candidates. The community remains divided over Kenyon’s candidacy, with concerns extending beyond his personal conduct to Reform’s proposed policies that could potentially impact women’s rights and mental health support.
In the close-knit community of Makerfield, both men and women are vocal about their disapproval of Kenyon’s views. Local figures like Dave Baxter express their disappointment in Reform’s candidate selection and question the alignment of Kenyon’s values with the constituency’s ethos. The backlash against Kenyon’s candidacy underscores the community’s rejection of regressive attitudes towards women.
As the election day approaches, the women of Makerfield are recognized for their influential role in shaping the political landscape. The impending decision holds the potential to make history and redefine the representation of the constituency. The community’s unity in opposing Kenyon’s candidacy reflects a broader sentiment of standing against sexism and advocating for progressive values.
