Ant Middleton Backs Reform UK in Makerfield Byelection Battle

Television personality Ant Middleton has thrown his support behind Reform UK’s candidate Robert Kenyon in the upcoming Makerfield byelection, marking a high-profile intervention in what’s shaping up to be a closely watched contest in Greater Manchester.

The former SAS: Who Dares Wins star announced his endorsement on social media this week, telling his 1.8 million Instagram followers that Kenyon represents „common sense” politics. It’s the latest celebrity backing for Nigel Farage’s party as it seeks to capitalise on recent electoral momentum.

Reform UK’s Growing Profile

Kenyon, a local businessman who’s never held elected office, is hoping to turn the traditionally Labour-held seat into Reform territory. The byelection was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Yvonne Fovargue, who’d represented the constituency since 2010 with majorities ranging from 13,000 to 16,000 votes.

But recent polling suggests the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Reform UK won 18% of the vote in Makerfield during last year’s general election, up from negligible support in 2019. The party now sees opportunities in working-class areas that once formed Labour’s so-called red wall.

Middleton’s Political Intervention

Middleton, 44, didn’t hold back in his endorsement. „Rob Kenyon gets it,” he posted. „He understands what ordinary people are going through and won’t be bullied by the establishment.”

The TV adventurer, who’s previously expressed controversial views on various topics, has increasingly aligned himself with right-wing causes. His backing carries weight with a certain demographic – typically male, working-class voters who value what they see as straight-talking authenticity.

Yet political analysts question whether celebrity endorsements translate into actual votes, particularly in byelections where turnout typically hovers around 35-40%.

The Wider Electoral Picture

Labour remains the bookmakers’ favourite to retain the seat, with candidate Tom Calver emphasising local issues like NHS waiting times and the cost of living. The party’s held Makerfield and its predecessor seats for nearly a century.

A Labour campaign spokesperson said: „This byelection is about who’ll best represent local people in Parliament, not about celebrities parachuting in with opinions. Our candidate has deep roots in this community and will fight for better services and opportunities.”

The Conservatives, who came second in 2019 with 36% of the vote, have seen their support collapse to single digits in recent polls. Their candidate Sarah Mitchell is running a low-key campaign focused on traditional Tory themes.

Polling day is set for March 27th, giving candidates just three weeks to make their case. With Reform UK riding high nationally – some surveys put them ahead of the Conservatives – all eyes will be on whether Middleton’s backing helps turn that momentum into actual seats. The result could prove a significant barometer for British politics heading into what promises to be a tumultuous spring.