Key facts
- Ant Middleton endorsed Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon for the Makerfield byelection.
- Middleton has made controversial anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant statements.
- Middleton has a criminal conviction for assaulting police officers.
- Middleton's company failed to pay over £1 million in tax.
- Reform UK had previously distanced itself from Middleton.
- The endorsement occurs amid competition from the Restore Britain party.
Ant Middleton, a former soldier and television presenter, has publicly endorsed Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield byelection. This endorsement has drawn criticism due to Middleton's history of controversial statements and a criminal conviction.
Middleton has previously expressed anti-Muslim sentiments, stating that "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." He was convicted in 2013 for unlawful wounding and common assault on two police officers. Furthermore, his company failed to pay over £1 million in tax, leading to a ban from being a company director in 2025.
Despite Reform UK having previously distanced itself from Middleton over his increasingly extreme views, the party's current embrace in Makerfield appears strategic. It comes as Reform faces pressure from Restore Britain, a new party launched by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe, which is widely expected to take third place in the election. Middleton has also appeared alongside activist Tommy Robinson and has shared Restore Britain's messaging, including a pledge to deport millions.
Labour MP Anna Turley criticized the endorsement, highlighting Middleton's criminal record and tax issues, and stating that "Ant Middleton should be nowhere near any political party." A leaked poll suggests Restore Britain could impact Reform UK's chances, with Labour projected to lead the contest.