Reform UK has announced self-employed plumber Robert Kenyon as the party’s candidate for the crucial Makerfield by-election to challenge Andy Burnham’s bid to return to Westminster.Mr Kenyon, who has served as an army reservist and previously worked as a technician for the NHS in Lancashire, also ran in the 2024 election, where he finished in second place.Reform leader Nigel Farage said: “This by-election contest is now a David versus Goliath battle. “This is ‘the plucky plumber’ taking on ‘open borders Burnham’. Only Reform UK can beat Labour in this by-election.”The by-election was triggered after Josh Simmons MP forfeited his seat to make way for Mr Burnham, who is believed to be using the by-election as a means to re-enter Parliament and launch a leadership challenge against the Prime Minister.MORE TO FOLLOW…