Labour has criticised Reform UK's candidate in the Makerfield byelection, Robert Kenyon, for welcoming an endorsement from former soldier and TV presenter Ant Middleton, whom the party had previously distanced itself from over his extreme views.
Kenyon shared a video of himself with Middleton, describing him as 'one of my heroes'. Middleton has made anti-Muslim comments on social media, including saying 'You can't be a Muslim and be in charge of a Christian nation/city' and that immigrants should not hold top government positions. He has also appeared alongside far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
Reform UK had sought to distance itself from Middleton after he adopted increasingly far-right positions, but his endorsement in Makerfield is seen as a bid to attract voters from Restore Britain, the hard-right party launched by former Reform MP Rupert Lowe. A leaked poll suggests Restore Britain could take 13% of the vote, potentially costing Reform the seat.
Labour chair Anna Turley said the endorsement showed Reform have 'no shame', noting that Middleton was convicted of assaulting two police officers and his company failed to pay over £1m in tax. Middleton was banned from being a company director in 2025.
