‘The campaign is over, but the movement isn’t’
Rob Kenyon, Reform UK’s candidate in the Makerfield by-election, has spoken out publically for the first time since the result was declared, saying: “The campaign is over, but the movement isn’t.”
Mr Kenyon – dubbed by Reform as the ‘plucky plumber – thanked all those who had voted for him, and volunteers who gave up their time to support him in the race for the constituency.
The by-election was billed in advance as a straight fight between Labour candidate Any Burnham and Mr Kenyon, who welcomed Nigel Farage to Makerfield in the build-up.
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But in the end, Mr Burnham triumphed with a massive majority, paving the way for a battle for the leadership of the party.
The new Labour MP polled 54 per cent of the total vote, receiving 24,927 votes.
Reform’s candidate, Rob Kenyon, came next with 15,696 – 34 per cent of vote share. Restore’s Rebecca Shepherd, in third place, won 3,111 votes, a share of six per cent.
It means Mr Burnham holds a majority of 9,231 in the constituency.
In a video statement posted to Facebook and X on Friday night, Mr Kenyon said: “Thank you to the 15,695 voters in Makerfield who placed their faith in me on Thursday and voted for me – so thank you very much.
“Massive thank you to everyone at Reform UK who’s really supported me through this campaign. You all know who you are. You all know, you know, how much support you have given me so thank you. It means a massive, massive amount to me.
“And a big thank you to all the volunteers who have come and helped out. Some people were coming almost daily. You all know who you are.
“I loved meeting you all. Keep in touch. It’s been fantastic. If I can help you out in any way, I will do. Thank you to my friends and family. You have been really supportive throughout this campaign.
“The campaign is over, but the movement isn’t. We are going to keep fighting and keep this momentum up so we can take our country back.
“Onwards and upwards. See you soon, cherrio.”
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