In a surprising twist in the Makerfield byelection, Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon has received an endorsement from Ant Middleton, a former soldier and television personality who has recently adopted increasingly far-right views. This endorsement has sparked criticism, particularly as the party had previously attempted to distance itself from Middleton due to his polarising statements.
Middleton’s Shift to the Far Right
Ant Middleton, known for his appearances on military-themed television shows, had initially been a speaker at the Reform UK conference in 2024. However, as his rhetoric has escalated, the party sought to distance itself from him. His recent comments have included inflammatory remarks about Muslims and immigration, claiming that “You can’t be a Muslim and be in charge of a Christian nation/city” and asserting that “1st, 2nd & 3rd generation immigrants should not hold top-tier government positions.”
Despite this, Kenyon shared a video on social media where he hailed Middleton as “one of my heroes,” igniting a backlash from political opponents who accused Reform UK of embracing extremism.
Political Fallout and Criticism
The endorsement has not gone unnoticed. Anna Turley, Labour Party chair and Cabinet Office minister, condemned the move, 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 continued, highlighting Middleton’s criminal record and questioning his suitability for any political affiliation.
Middleton’s past includes a conviction for assaulting police officers in 2013, as well as a ban from serving as a company director in 2025 due to his firm’s failure to pay over £1 million in taxes. His controversial career has seen him part ways with Channel 4 following remarks deemed inappropriate regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Context of the Byelection
The Makerfield byelection is fraught with political tension, particularly with the emergence of Restore Britain, a hard-right party formed by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. This new party is expected to draw significant votes away from Reform UK, posing a serious threat to Kenyon’s campaign. Internal polling suggests Restore Britain could secure around 13% of the vote, while Reform is projected to capture 24%, trailing Labour’s 35%.
Middleton’s alignment with Restore Britain’s rhetoric further complicates the situation. His recent statements on social media echo Restore’s hardline immigration policies, including a pledge to deport large numbers of migrants. In a video shared with Kenyon, he urged voters to “vote strategically and put this man in power,” indicating a concerted effort to rally support despite the party’s attempts to redefine its image.
Why it Matters
The implications of Middleton’s endorsement extend beyond the immediate electoral landscape. It highlights the ongoing struggle within British politics to define the boundaries of acceptable discourse and the growing influence of far-right ideologies. As parties like Reform UK grapple with internal dissent and external pressure from emerging political entities, the Makerfield byelection serves as a critical barometer for the future trajectory of the party and its alignment with controversial figures. The developments in this byelection may well signal a larger trend in UK politics, where traditional party lines are increasingly blurred by the allure of populism and extreme rhetoric.