Reform UK’s crushing defeat in Makerfield sparks 'woman problem' admission

Monday, June 22, 2026

Reform UK suffered a heavy defeat in the Makerfield by-election, with Labour’s Andy Burnham winning by nearly 10,000 votes amid controversy over the Reform candidate’s past sexist remarks and the party’s poor response. The loss has sparked internal debate about Reform UK’s appeal to female voters and prompted considerations to adjust candidate selections and campaign strategies to widen their support base.

Reform UK faced a significant electoral setback in the Makerfield by-election, prompting internal reflection and public acknowledgment of challenges related to the party’s appeal among female voters. The party’s candidate, Robert Kenyon, who faced criticism for past social media posts considered sexist, was defeated by Labour’s Andy Burnham by a margin nearing 10,000 votes. The loss has been described by insiders as a “wake-up call” for Reform UK, which had recently seen success at the local council level in the same constituency.

Gawain Towler, a senior member of the party’s board and former director of communications, publicly addressed the issue in a recent Substack essay, emphasizing that the defeat underscored what he termed a “woman problem” within Reform UK’s ranks. Towler noted that Kenyon’s history of derogatory remarks about women was dismissed by the party as “banter” and that the failure to issue a genuine apology alienated potential female supporters. According to Towler, many women who might have supported Reform chose not to vote for the party due to Kenyon’s comments and the party’s handling of the controversy.

The party’s former leader, Nigel Farage, dismissed concerns about Kenyon’s conduct during the campaign, describing the remarks as “pub talk.” Despite the criticism, Reform UK chose not to participate in several Sunday political broadcast appearances following the by-election, declining invitations from outlets including GB News and Sky News. A party spokesman explained that Reform typically reserves appearances for BBC political programs and noted that party representatives had been extensively featured on Friday.

Reports also indicate internal disputes regarding the role of Zia Yusuf, Reform UK’s home affairs spokesman, whose advocacy for mass deportations is believed to be alienating more moderate voters. Furthermore, Yusuf has become unpopular with some right-wing supporters, who have shifted their allegiance to Rupert Lowe’s Restore Britain party. The party is reportedly considering reducing Yusuf’s profile to broaden its appeal.

The defeat in Makerfield has intensified scrutiny over Reform UK’s candidate selection and campaign strategies in key constituencies, especially those like Makerfield where the party previously held council seats and seeks to expand its parliamentary presence. Questions have been raised about the party’s approach in other contests as well, including earlier criticism of candidate Matt Goodwin in Gorton and Denton.

As Reform UK evaluates its direction following the Makerfield loss, Towler’s public admission highlights a growing awareness within the party of the need to engage a broader electoral base, particularly women, to strengthen future prospects.