Key facts
- Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon refused to apologise for past 'crass' sexual remarks about Carol Vorderman.
- Kenyon stated the comments were 15 years old and taken out of context.
- He rejected accusations of sexism, citing his upbringing by women.
- The audience at the BBC Question Time debate reacted negatively to Kenyon's refusal to apologise.
- Kenyon also fielded questions on Reform UK's policies, often deferring to national party figures.
During a BBC Question Time debate, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon faced scrutiny over past controversial online comments. When questioned by Green Party candidate Sarah Wakefield about graphic sexual remarks he had endorsed online about presenter Carol Vorderman, Kenyon refused to apologise. He stated that some comments were 15 years old and "completely taken out of context," and rejected accusations of sexism, asserting he was "brought up by women" and has "nothing but respect for women." The audience reportedly reacted negatively to his refusal. Kenyon also fielded questions on Reform UK's policy proposals, often deferring to national party figures for answers on issues like police numbers and immigration funding. A poll released after the debate showed Labour's Andy Burnham leading Kenyon significantly.