Ant Middleton, the former soldier and television presenter known for his role on SAS: Who Dares Wins, has endorsed Reform UK's candidate in the Makerfield byelection, despite the party's previous efforts to distance itself from his increasingly extreme views.
Endorsement Sparks Controversy
Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate, shared a video of himself with Middleton, describing him as “one of my heroes.” Middleton has faced widespread criticism for making anti-Muslim remarks and supporting far-right figures. He previously said “well done Southampton” after violence following the murder of Henry Nowak and has used his X account to post comments such as “You can’t be a Muslim and be in charge of a Christian nation/city” and that “1st, 2nd & 3rd generation immigrants should not hold top-tier government positions.”
Party's Shift on Middleton
Middleton spoke at the Reform UK conference in 2024 and was once considered a potential London mayoral candidate. However, the party later distanced itself from him as he adopted far-right stances, including appearing alongside activist Tommy Robinson at rallies. Despite this, Kenyon welcomed Middleton's support, which analysts suggest may be a strategic move to attract voters from Restore Britain, a hard-right party formed by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe.
Anna Turley, Labour MP and Cabinet Office minister, condemned the endorsement, stating: “Reform have no shame. Their last byelection candidate was endorsed by Tommy Robinson and now Rob Kenyon is delighted to have the backing of a man who was jailed for assaulting two police officers.” She referenced Middleton's criminal record, including a 2013 conviction for unlawful wounding of a police officer and common assault. Middleton was also banned from being a company director in 2025 after his firm failed to pay over £1 million in tax. He parted ways with Channel 4 in 2021 following controversial comments on COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.
Political Context
Restore Britain, launched by Rupert Lowe after a falling-out with Nigel Farage, is expected to come third in the Makerfield election. A leaked poll published by The i Paper suggested Restore Britain could take 13% of the vote, potentially costing Reform the seat, with Labour at 35% and Reform at 24%. Middleton's rhetoric has aligned more closely with Restore Britain; he shared the party's pledge to deport millions, saying: “An English mayor of London will help flush them out to our shores for ease of deportation.” However, in the video with Kenyon, he urged: “Let's get together, vote strategically and put this man in power.”
The byelection in Makerfield, Greater Manchester, is seen as a test of Reform UK's strength and the impact of far-right endorsements on mainstream politics.
