The outcome depends significantly on whether he can claim victory in the upcoming by-election. This opportunity arose after Labour MP Josh Simons stepped aside, allowing Burnham to enter the race. Now, Burnham faces competition not only from parties like Reform UK and the Conservatives but also potentially from Ant Middleton, the former star of SAS: Who Dares Wins.
This week, Ant Middleton hinted at his political ambitions on X, stating, “There are a couple of by-elections coming up!”
He continued, “I might consider moving back to the UK to lend a genuine helping hand to the country I spent over a decade defending. It’s about turning things around and making it safe again!”
Social media reactions to Middleton’s statement were mixed. One user commented, “You keep talking about returning and taking action, but nothing has happened yet. For someone with such a tough persona, it seems like it’s all talk. Be careful you don’t just float away…”
Another user countered, “We need someone like you to replace Sadiq Khan. He’s failed London. If you’re ready to suit up and serve your country again, I support it wholeheartedly!”
Another said: “Either be here with your finger in the pie or stay in Dubai. Don’t be a sell out to your roots.”
Middleton moved to Dubai after his company failed to pay more than £1million in tax, and has faced further legal trouble in the past. Last year, the Ministry of Defence filed legal action against him in the High Court for alleged breach of contract relating to his social media posts about his experiences in the SAS.
In 2013 he was convicted of the unlawful wounding of a male police officer and the common assault of a female police officer in a nightclub; he served four months of a 14 month prison sentence after handing himself in to cops.