Ant Middleton London mayor: Independent candidate for 2028
When a former special forces soldier and TV star announces he wants to run London, it’s bound to turn heads. That’s exactly what Ant Middleton did in December 2025 – and the political landscape hasn’t quite known what to make of it. Here’s what’s actually known about his independent campaign, the party politics he’s sidestepped, and where the race for City Hall stands for the 2028 election.
Date of candidacy announcement: December 2025 (social media) / January 2026 (formal missed Reform UK opportunity) · Political affiliation: Independent · Previous party consideration: Reform UK (missed out) · Public status: Active independent candidate
Quick snapshot
- Ant Middleton announced his independent mayor candidacy in December 2025 (YouTube announcement).
- He missed the chance to be Reform UK’s candidate; the party selected Laila Cunningham in January 2026 (Wikipedia).
- Next London mayoral election is scheduled for 4 May 2028 (London.gov.uk – official elections page).
- Exact policy platform – only broad themes like immigration and national security are known.
- His actual chances of winning – no published polling for Middleton.
- Campaign funding sources – not yet disclosed.
- Campaign will continue as independent; no formal party endorsement.
- May 2028: election day – voters decide.
- Watch for: policy platform release, fundraising disclosures, eventual debate invitations.
Six quick facts about Ant Middleton’s background and candidacy:
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Anthony Middleton |
| Born | 22 September 1980 |
| Former occupation | Special forces soldier, TV personality |
| Announced candidacy | December 2025 |
| Political affiliation | Independent |
| Next election date | May 2028 |
Is Ant Middleton still running for London mayor?
Timeline of his announcement
Middleton first hinted at a political run in late 2025, then made it official on 10 December 2025 via a video posted on Facebook (primary source – personal account) and YouTube (video announcement). In the clip, he said: “At the Unite The Kingdom, I officially announced my candidacy to run as an Independent London Mayor. This is not about party politics…”
He had initially sought the Reform UK nomination, but thenewworld.co.uk (niche news outlet) reported in January 2026 that he “missed out on the chance to be Reform mayor of London.” The party instead chose Laila Cunningham, a Westminster City Councillor and former CPS prosecutor.
Middleton’s independent path means he forgoes any party ground game, funding, or ballot access help. He will need to gather signatures from registered London voters to appear on the ballot – a hurdle that has tripped up past independent hopefuls.
Recent statements from Ant Middleton
After Reform UK announced Cunningham, Middleton posted a defiant message on social media. GB News (UK news broadcaster) reported that he “publicly backed Nigel Farage’s party before Cunningham was selected” but then pivoted to independence. In an Instagram caption, he wrote: “We are fed up with the current…” – a theme of frustration with the political establishment that runs through his campaign messaging.
Status as of early 2026
As of February 2026, Middleton remains an active independent candidate. He has not withdrawn, and his social media channels continue to promote his mayoral bid. No official campaign website has been launched yet, but his Instagram (personal account) and Facebook pages serve as de facto platforms.
Who is running for London mayor 2028?
Major party candidates
The 2028 London mayoral election is scheduled for 4 May 2028. Incumbent Sadiq Khan (Labour) is expected to seek re-election, though he has not formally announced. The Conservative Party has yet to select a candidate. Reform UK selected Laila Cunningham in January 2026. The Liberal Democrats, Greens, and other parties will likely field candidates closer to the date.
Independent candidates including Ant Middleton
Middleton is the most high-profile independent declared so far. Others may emerge as the election approaches – the Electoral Commission (UK elections regulator) sets a deadline for candidate nominations, typically a few weeks before polling day.
Potential candidates not yet declared
Beyond the main parties, no other prominent independents have announced. BBC News (UK public service broadcaster) and The Guardian (UK newspaper) will likely track developments as the race shapes up.
With Reform UK now backing a former Conservative councillor, the independent lane is left wide open for Middleton. But without party resources, his ability to campaign across London’s 32 boroughs is constrained.
What party is Ant Middleton affiliated with?
Independent candidacy
Ant Middleton is running as an independent. He has no formal party affiliation. In his announcement video, he stressed that the campaign is “not about party politics.”
Previous links to Reform UK
Middleton had initially put himself forward for the Reform UK nomination, according to Wikipedia. He publicly backed Nigel Farage’s party. But when Reform UK chose Laila Cunningham, Middleton pivoted to an independent run.
Political ideology and stance
Middleton’s stated platform focuses on immigration and national security. He has expressed frustration with the political establishment, positioning himself as an outsider. Detailed policy proposals have not been released. thenieworld.co.uk described him as “a convicted thug who served a prison sentence” – a reference to his 2005 assault conviction – which his critics have used to question his suitability.
What are the latest polls and odds for the London mayoral election?
Current betting odds for Ant Middleton
Betting markets such as oddschecker (betting comparison site) list odds for the next London mayor, but independent candidates like Middleton may not appear until closer to the election. As of early 2026, no specific odds for Middleton have been widely reported.
Polls for other declared candidates
No public polling exists for Ant Middleton’s candidacy. Sadiq Khan remains the Labour favourite and has led previous polls. Reform UK’s Laila Cunningham may register in future surveys. The absence of data means Middleton’s electoral viability is unknown.
Undecided voter share
In past London mayoral elections, a significant portion of voters have been undecided until late in the campaign. This could work in favour of an independent who runs a strong social media operation.
Without polling data, Middleton’s campaign operates in the dark. He can’t target resources efficiently, but he also avoids being an early target for attack ads.
Why is Ant Middleton running for mayor?
Motivation from social media posts
In his Facebook announcement, Middleton said the campaign is for people who are “fed up” with the current political class. He has posted multiple times about the need for change.
Issues he wants to address
Middleton has highlighted immigration and crime as key concerns. He has also criticised the incumbent Sadiq Khan, suggesting the mayor is out of touch with ordinary Londoners. A Spotify episode (Nick Talks podcast) is titled “Ant Middleton DESTROYS Sadiq Khan – Why He’s REALLY …” though the content may be more entertainment than policy.
Personal background relevance
His career as a special forces soldier and TV presenter gives him name recognition and a tough-guy image. However, his 2005 assault conviction has been raised by opponents. Middleton has not made the conviction part of his campaign message.
Timeline of Ant Middleton’s path to the mayoral race
Middleton convicted of assault, serves prison time (Wikipedia).
TV career as SAS: Who Dares Wins presenter (Wikipedia).
Public speculation about political run; hints on social media.
Reports say Middleton will run as independent (Wikipedia).
Official independent candidacy announcement on Facebook and YouTube (Facebook, YouTube).
Reform UK selects Laila Cunningham; Middleton misses out and continues as independent (Wikipedia, GB News).
Scheduled London mayoral election (Wikipedia).
What’s clear and what’s not about Ant Middleton’s campaign
Confirmed facts
- He announced his independent candidacy in December 2025 (Facebook).
- He was considered for Reform UK but did not become their candidate (Wikipedia).
- He is a former special forces soldier and TV personality (Wikipedia).
- Next London mayoral election is in 2028 (London.gov.uk).
What’s unclear
- His exact policy platform (only broad themes known).
- His chances of winning (no polling available).
- Whether he will face party primaries or remain independent.
- Funding sources for his campaign.
What Ant Middleton and others are saying
“Yesterday at Unite The Kingdom, I officially announced my candidacy to run as an Independent London Mayor. This is not about party politics…”
Ant Middleton, Facebook announcement, December 2025 (source)
“We are fed up with the current…”
Ant Middleton, Instagram caption (source)
“Rats in a sack – Ant Middleton misses out on chance to be Reform mayor of London.”
thenewworld.co.uk headline, January 2026 (source)
“London needs Reform” – banners at Reform UK press conference announcing Laila Cunningham.
GB News, January 2026 (source)
Ant Middleton’s independent mayoral bid is a test of whether celebrity can translate into political influence without the backing of a major party. For London voters, the choice in 2028 will be between familiar party brands and an outsider who promises disruption. For Middleton, the next two years will determine whether his campaign can move beyond social media buzz and into a credible challenge. The implication is clear: either he builds a real organisation and publishes a detailed platform, or he risks being a footnote in the race.
Frequently asked questions
How can I verify Ant Middleton’s mayoral candidacy?
You can check his official Facebook and Instagram accounts where he posted the announcement. The London.gov.uk elections page will list all registered candidates closer to the election date.
What are the requirements to run for London mayor?
Candidates must be at least 18, a British or qualifying Commonwealth citizen, and able to gather a deposit and signatures. Full rules are published by the Electoral Commission.
Who is the current mayor of London?
Sadiq Khan (Labour) has been mayor since 2016 and is expected to seek re-election in 2028.
How is the London mayor elected?
The mayor is elected using the Supplementary Vote system, where voters choose a first and second preference. A candidate needs more than 50% of valid first-preference votes to win outright, otherwise the top two go to a second round.
What is Unite The Kingdom?
Unite The Kingdom appears to be an initiative or event name used by Middleton for his campaign announcement. No formal organisation with that name has been registered yet.
What is Ant Middleton’s stance on crime and policing?
He has highlighted crime and national security as key issues, but has not published specific policies. His background in special forces suggests a tough-on-crime approach.
Is Ant Middleton affiliated with any other political groups?
No. He is running as an independent with no formal ties to any political party.
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