Reform UK’s Makerfield candidate backs Ant Middleton endorsement despite party’s distancing efforts

Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield byelection, has publicly endorsed Ant Middleton, a former soldier and television presenter whose association with the party has recently become a source of internal tension. The endorsement marks a significant reversal for Reform UK, which had previously sought to distance itself from Middleton as his public statements increasingly aligned with far-right positions.

Kenyon shared a video featuring Middleton, describing the former special forces soldier as “one of my heroes”. In the clip, Middleton urged supporters to “vote strategically” to secure Kenyon’s victory. This direct appeal contrasts with the party’s recent efforts to sideline Middleton, who addressed the Reform UK conference in 2024 and was previously mooted as a potential London mayoral candidate.

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Labour officials. Anna Turley, the Labour party chair and Cabinet Office minister, stated that the endorsement demonstrated that Reform UK had “no shame”. Turley highlighted Middleton’s criminal history, noting his 2013 convictions for the unlawful wounding of a police officer and common assault, as well as his 2025 ban from serving as a company director due to tax evasion involving over £1 million.

Middleton’s political trajectory has seen him move further to the right in recent years. He has appeared alongside far-right activist Tommy Robinson at rallies and has used his social media platforms to make anti-Muslim comments, including assertions that immigrants should not hold top-tier government positions. These views have drawn condemnation from across the political spectrum, with Turley arguing that Middleton’s rhetoric and criminal record make him unsuitable for any political affiliation.

Analysts suggest the endorsement may be a strategic attempt by Reform UK to attract voters from Restore Britain, a hard-right party launched by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. A leaked poll, circulated among Labour staffers and published by The i Paper, indicates that Restore Britain is polling at 13 per cent, while Reform UK sits at 24 per cent and Labour at 35 per cent. The poll suggests that the fragmentation of the right-wing vote could cost Reform UK the seat, prompting efforts to consolidate support behind Kenyon.

Middleton has also aligned himself with Restore Britain’s policy messaging, sharing pledges to deport millions of immigrants. Despite this, his public support for Kenyon in Makerfield underscores the competitive pressure Reform UK faces from Lowe’s new party. The byelection outcome will likely be influenced by how effectively Reform UK can manage its relationship with controversial figures like Middleton while countering the split in the right-wing electorate.

The endorsement highlights the ongoing challenges Reform UK faces in balancing its political ambitions with the controversies surrounding its allies. As the byelection approaches, the party’s ability to unify its base and prevent vote splitting with Restore Britain will be critical. Meanwhile, Labour remains confident in its position, leveraging the controversies surrounding its opponents to bolster its campaign in Makerfield.