The newly appointed small business advocate for Reform UK is facing criticism for promoting controversial ideas on social media. Kevin Byrne, who shared a platform with Nigel Farage at a recent party gathering, has made contentious statements on Facebook. These include denouncing Covid vaccinations as a crime, expressing skepticism about vaccine passports, and endorsing anti-abortion content. In one instance, Byrne condemned the suspension of a doctor’s license in Australia over vaccine criticism, labeling it as the “crime of the century.”
Moreover, Byrne’s social media posts have touched on various contentious topics such as Covid restrictions, Pride events, and conspiracy theories like chemtrails and the Loch Ness Monster. His statements have drawn backlash, with a Labour source calling on Farage to address the spread of dangerous conspiracies within the party.
Byrne’s unconventional views have come to light following his recent appointment by Farage to shape Reform UK’s small business policies. Notably, this revelation coincides with the imprisonment of former Reform UK leader in Wales, Nathan Gill, for accepting bribes from a Russian associate of Putin. Byrne, a Checkatrade founder who sold his company in 2017 and received an OBE in 2023, has not yet responded to requests for comments.