Ant Middleton, the former SAS: Who Dares Wins star turned controversial figure, has announced his intention to run for London Mayor, igniting a storm of both support and criticism. Known for his no-nonsense persona, Middleton has set his sights on what he calls “cleansing” the capital – but his choice of words has left many raising eyebrows.
A Bold Bid
Middleton, 44, unveiled his aspirations at the Reform Party’s conference in Birmingham last September, criticising both Labour leader Keir Starmer and current London Mayor Sadiq Khan. On the social platform X, he didn’t mince words:
“Keir Starmer has got to go. Whilst all of this is happening, Britain is rotting from its core. I’m not hearing much from Sadiq Khan, who also, in my opinion, has to go! If Britain replaces the current PM and Mayor of London, it may just stand a chance.”
Middleton, who served in the Special Boat Service (SBS) in Afghanistan, suggested he would swap TV stardom for politics to “save” London.
“There’s a storm brewing, and we all know that I love a storm,” he posted, teasing his ambitions.
“Cleansing” Controversy
His campaign rhetoric has stirred up controversy, particularly his repeated use of the term “cleanse” when outlining his vision for London. Critics on social media questioned whether this language carried problematic undertones, with one user asking:
“Cleanse? Ethnically? Is that what you mean, Ant?”
Middleton fired back, clarifying his stance in a follow-up post:
“Nice try, but highly predictable! Priority number one: Cleanse it from being one of the murder capitals of the world. Cleanse it from knives, machetes, and guns that are not only killing UK citizens but also our children.”
He went on to target other issues, saying his focus would be on cracking down on harassment, illegal vehicles used in crime, and the capital’s perceived decline in public transport standards.
Is London Really “Rotting”?
Middleton’s fiery rhetoric about London as a “murder capital” doesn’t quite align with global statistics. According to Statista, none of the world’s ten most dangerous cities are in the UK, with the list dominated by Mexican cities.
Still, public safety concerns resonate with many Londoners. A 2024 study revealed that over 80% of women aged 16-34 reported experiencing harassment or assault in public spaces over the last two years, and knife crime remains a persistent issue in some parts of the city.
Public Reaction: A Divisive Figure
Supporters of Middleton praise his focus on law and order, viewing him as a breath of fresh air amid frustrations with the status quo. Detractors, however, question whether a former reality TV star and military man has the experience needed to lead one of the world’s largest cities. His affiliation with the Reform Party, often associated with right-wing policies, has further polarised opinions.
What’s Next for Ant Middleton?
Middleton’s bid is still in its early days, and his full policy platform has yet to be revealed. However, his bold statements and unapologetic tone guarantee he’ll remain a hot topic in the lead-up to the election. Whether his campaign gains traction or fizzles out, one thing is certain: Ant Middleton is not stepping quietly into the political arena.
