On 16 June, we reported that two Reform councillors had posed for a picture which suggested they would vote for Jimmy Saville. In the aftermath, the party claimed the offending image was “AI”. Now, one of the councillors at fault has apologised, proving beyond doubt that the photo op did indeed take place:
To all the Reform UK supporters that tried to defend Reform UK Councillors Gemma Painter and Lilian Rogers for standing with a sign saying ‘I’d rather vote for Jimmy Saville’, and @LeeAndersonMP_ who posted it was fake, then deleted the post.
Just thought you should know Lilian… pic.twitter.com/bFbi21jKBY
— Reform Party UK Exposed
(@reformexposed) June 19, 2026
Saville
As we reported previously:
Two of Reform’s Wigan councillors have been pictured with a sign that reads “I would rather vote for Jimmy Saville than Labour”. The problem with that statement is it implies the people standing by it would vote for Jimmy Saville. The problem with that is the fact that Saville was a notorious paedophile:
Reform UK’s #Makerfield campaign team for @RobKenyonReform, including 2 Wigan councillors Gemma Painter and Lilian Rogers.
Photo ops with Jimmy Saville jokes.
Sick.@reformparty_uk and Kenyon, anything to say?
Share this, make sure everyone in Makerfield sees it. pic.twitter.com/GHT3TFWCHj
— Reform Party UK Exposed
People rightly took offence to the above. Saville was no laughing matter with 450 people having accused him of sexual abuse — 82% of the victims were female; 80% were children.
Saville used his position as a children’s entertainer to get away with this, as well as his connections within media and charity circles. He was a plague on this country, and no one should forget that.
While individuals can make jokes about whatever they like, the people in question here are politicians. They’re supposed to hold themselves to some sort of standard. And they represent a party which claims to take women’s issues seriously.
Feigning remorse
The apology from Lilian Rogers reads:
Over the last few days, there has been significant discussion regarding a photograph taken during campaigning for the Makerfield by-election. I feel it is important to address this directly and honestly.
The photograph was taken at the end of a long day of canvassing. We stopped to speak with a supportive local resident who asked for a quick picture with a homemade sign.
While I saw the sign at the time, I want to be absolutely clear: I completely failed to realise its sickening implications or context. In the rush of a busy campaign day, it was viewed as entirely innocent, and I did not comprehend the true, disgusting meaning behind it.
Had I understood the implication for even a second, I would never have associated myself with it or agreed to be photographed.
The wording on that sign is utterly indefensible, and I completely condemn it. I am deeply sorry for any distress this situation has caused to anyone who has seen it, and I am incredibly disappointed in my own naivety in allowing myself to be compromised in this way.
This matter is now being dealt with internally. My focus remains entirely on moving forward and working hard for the residents of Shevington, Lower Ground, Moor, and Appley Bridge.
Embarrassed Reform defects blame
This is all especially embarrassing for Reform, because the party brazenly used AI to claim the original image was itself AI:
Lee Anderson now complicit in a lie.
Look at the one you’ve posted.
It’s not Rob Kenyon, and the logo is AI warped. Plus look at the union flag.
Why did your councillor Gemma Painter delete it and then her Facebook?
Because it was real.
Here’s also images by Stephen… pic.twitter.com/MZr7MxKiyd
— Reform Party UK Exposed
Credit where it’s due, Rogers has now apologised. And as a woman, she’s more likely to experience the impact of abusive men.
It’s just a shame she’s in a party which clearly doesn’t take abuse or women’s issues seriously.
Featured image via the Canary
By Willem Moore
