Ant Middleton backs Reform UK’s Robert Kenyon in Makerfield byelection
Ant Middleton, a former soldier and TV presenter, has endorsed Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield byelection, despite the party's attempts to distance itself from Middleton due to his controversial views. Kenyon shared a video with Middleton, calling him a hero, which has drawn criticism given Middleton's history of inflammatory comments.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
Ant Middleton, a former soldier and TV presenter, has endorsed Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield byelection, despite the party's attempts to distance itself from Middleton due to his controversial views. Kenyon shared a video with Middleton, calling him a hero, which has drawn criticism given Middleton's history of inflammatory comments.
- Why It Matters
This endorsement is significant for Kenyon as it may attract voters from the Restore Britain movement, potentially influencing the election outcome. However, it also raises questions about Kenyon's alignment with Middleton's views, which could alienate moderate voters.
- The Bigger Picture
The Makerfield byelection has become a focal point for political tensions, with Reform UK and Restore Britain exchanging criticisms. Kenyon's past comments on Brexit and Covid skepticism, along with allegations regarding his social media history, contribute to a contentious atmosphere, highlighting the challenges faced by candidates in navigating public perception and party affiliations.
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Reform UK has officially announced plumber Robert Kenyon as its candidate for the upcoming Makerfield by-election. This decision marks a significant step for the party as it seeks to strengthen its presence in local politics.
Andy Burnham to face Reform’s Robert Kenyon in crucial Makerfield byelection
Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, is set to compete against Reform UK's Robert Kenyon in the upcoming Makerfield byelection, following the resignation of Labour MP Josh Simons. This election, scheduled for June 18, 2026, is being framed as a pivotal moment that could significantly influence the trajectory of British politics.
Brexiters peddled ‘nationalistic pish’, said Reform UK’s Makerfield candidate
<p>Robert Kenyon castigated Brexit as an economically self-harming project on rugby league forum in 2016</p><p>Reform UK’s candidate for the Makerfield byelection has castigated Brexit as an economically self-harming project promoted by politicians who “peddled the nationalistic pish”, raising more doubts about his commitment to Nigel Farage’s signature achievement.</p><p>The comments by Robert Kenyon, unearthed on a defunct rugby league forum and <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/05/27/brexiteers-peddled-nationalistic-pish-reform-makerfield/">first reported</a> by the Telegraph, follow the emergence of another post <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/26/reform-insists-makerfield-candidate-voted-brexit/">in which he said</a> people would be wrong to assume he had voted for Brexit.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/may/27/brexiters-peddled-nationalistic-pish-said-reform-uk-makerfield-candidate">Continue reading...</a>
Reform Makerfield candidate admits making 'crass' comments in past
Robert Kenyon, the Reform UK candidate for the Makerfield byelection, has acknowledged making 'crass' comments in the past, stating he was not involved in politics at the time these remarks were made. This admission comes as he faces scrutiny during the campaign.
By-election win-win for me, Reform candidate says
Robert Kenyon, a Reform candidate, expressed that his participation in the upcoming by-election is a win-win situation for him, stating that even if he does not get elected, he would have symbolically challenged the establishment.
Allegations about Reform candidate's posts are troubling, Labour says
Allegations have emerged regarding Robert Kenyon, a candidate from the Reform party, who is claimed to have been friends with a fascist campaigner on a now-deleted Facebook page, according to the campaigning organization Searchlight. This revelation has raised concerns within the Labour party about the implications of such associations for Kenyon's candidacy and the broader political landscape.
Andy Burnham confirmed as Labour candidate for Makerfield byelection
Andy Burnham has been confirmed as the Labour candidate for the Makerfield byelection, following the endorsement from the party's national executive committee. The byelection is scheduled to take place on 18 June, with Burnham's main competitor being Robert Kenyon from Reform UK, who previously contested the seat in the general election.