Reform UK candidate Robert Kenyon welcomed an endorsement from Ant Middleton, the former soldier and TV presenter, in the Makerfield byelection race. Kenyon shared a video describing Middleton as "one of my heroes," a move that contradicts Reform UK's efforts to distance itself from the controversial figure.
Middleton has drawn criticism for inflammatory statements on social media. He posted "well done Southampton" following violence that erupted after the murder of Henry Nowak, and has repeatedly made anti-Muslim comments on his X account. Reform UK leadership had previously moved to separate the party from Middleton over his increasingly extreme rhetoric.
The endorsement signals Kenyon's bid to attract voters aligned with Restore Britain, the anti-immigration movement that overlaps substantially with Reform UK's electoral base. Middleton commands a significant following among this demographic, particularly through his television presence and social media activity.
The incident reveals internal tensions within Reform UK. While party leadership seeks mainstream credibility ahead of the byelection, local candidates like Kenyon leverage populist figures who energize the party's core supporters. This dynamic reflects a broader challenge for Reform UK as it attempts to gain wider political legitimacy without alienating its activist base.
The Makerfield byelection represents a significant test for Reform UK's electoral performance outside general election contests. The party has pursued an aggressive strategy to expand beyond its 2024 general election gains. Kenyon's willingness to embrace Middleton suggests the campaign will lean heavily on anti-establishment messaging and cultural grievance politics.
The endorsement also illustrates how fringe figures maintain political relevance despite mainstream party distancing. Middleton's platform allows him to influence electoral races and mobilize supporters independently of formal party structures, complicating Reform UK's attempts at damage control over its public image.