It was with immense sadness that I learned of Cpl Lucy Wilde’s death. I remember our meeting during her time with the Welsh Guards, where her warmth and compassion were unmistakable. She served with courage and distinction as a medic and sought always to help others. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. Colonel William

***STATEMENT RELEASE*** London, 27 March 2025 Following recent media coverage regarding Ant Middleton's disqualification as a company director for a period of four years, Ant wishes to provide full transparency and context around the circumstances which date back to the pandemic (the root cause). Over the past years, Ant has worked tirelessly to resolve the financial situation surrounding his former company, engaging directly and in good faith with both the appointed liquidator and HMRC. He reached a resolution that included a personal commitment to an agreed offer that was accepted and to which has been honoured and fulfilled. Ant is disappointed by the portrayal and tone of this situation and strongly refutes any implication of wrongdoing. He believes he has been unfairly singled out by HMRC, and questions the timing and nature of this decision, especially in light of his recent public declaration to stand as a candidate for Mayor of London. "This feels like a direct slur on my name and reputation, especially as I bid to step forward to serve the people of London," said Middleton. "Like many families across the UK, my wife and I struggled through the pandemic, raising five children, employing staff and building a business while facing the sudden collapse of live events, corporate workshops, day camps and speaking tours-my main source of income." Due to the unforeseen circumstances and fallout of the pandemic Ant made the difficult decision to place his company into voluntary liquidation. His priority was to do right by creditors, even at significant personal cost. Ant Middleton remains committed to transparency, accountability, and standing up for ordinary people in extraordinary times. He continues to advocate for fairness, for resilience in leadership, and for systems that support rather than punish those who strive to rebuild after hardship. REBUTTAL STATEMENT BY ANT MIDDLETON The recent director disqualification ruling is something I accept but do not believe tells the full story. I want to be clear: I didn't walk away from anything. I spent the past years working with the liquidator and HMRC to bring this to a fair resolution. I agreed to pay £300k, which they accepted and has now been paid in full. That's not something someone trying to dodge responsibility does. I want to be clear that ‘since’ liquidating my company I’ve paid a total of £555,449.24 in taxes to HMRC not £300,000. During COVID, my income-like millions of others-was devastated. My work relied on speaking events and human interaction which disappeared overnight. With five children, a household, staff and a stagnant business, I had little but no choice but to shut it down. What's happening now feels like I'm being punished not because of wrongdoing, but because I've dared to step into public life. I've made clear I want to run for Mayor of London to represent everyday people, and this feels like an attempt to damage that ambition. I'm not a rich man, I'm a working man-a family man. I've always stood up and fought for people, on the battlefield and now in public life. That won't change. If anything, this just fuels my determination to bring fairness and strength back into leadership. I will not be deterred.