3 godzin temu
Ed Miliband (Labour) has dismissed suggestions that TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson could mount a serious challenge for his Doncaster North constituency. The Energy Secretary responded with scepticism after Clarkson recently hinted on social media that he might stand against the Labour MP at the next election.
Clarkson, who was born and raised in Doncaster, posted on X asking local residents whether they were satisfied with their current representation. The former Top Gear presenter wrote: "People of Doncaster North. Are you happy with your MP? Would you like it if someone from your neck of the woods kicked him out?"
Miliband's dismissive response
Speaking to Sky News' Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, Miliband appeared to pour cold water on any electoral threat from the broadcaster. The Labour minister noted this was not the first time Clarkson had made such suggestions about standing for Parliament.
"I think he is a sort of long-standing aspirant to my seat," Miliband told Sky News. "I think he said in 2013 that he was going to contest my seat. So look, it's for other people to decide if they want to stand for Parliament, including in my seat. I welcome all comers. Let's see what happens."
Miliband has held the Doncaster North seat since 2005 and secured a comfortable majority of more than 9,100 votes in last year's general election. The constituency has remained a Labour stronghold throughout his tenure as the local MP.
Broader political challenges
Current polling data suggests Miliband could face pressure from Reform UK if an election were held today. The polling trends indicate the senior minister's position might be more vulnerable than his recent electoral performance suggests.
Clarkson, who now hosts Amazon Prime's The Grand Tour and Clarkson's Farm, has also recently targeted Reform UK leader Nigel Farage with criticism. Writing in The Sun newspaper, he suggested Farage's "numbers don't add up" when discussing economic policies, adding: "But before anyone can question his logic, he scuttles back to his safe space and starts raging about small boats."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
