Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has dismissed Jeremy Clarkson's latest suggestion of challenging him for the Doncaster North parliamentary seat, pointing out that the television presenter made identical threats over a decade ago without following through.
The Cabinet minister characterised Mr Clarkson as a "long-standing aspirant" to his constituency when questioned about the former Top Gear host's recent social media post targeting his seat.
Speaking recently, Mr Miliband stated: "I think he said in 2013 that he was going to contest my seat."
The Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary, who has represented the South Yorkshire constituency since 2005, appeared unfazed by the prospect of facing the 65-year-old broadcaster in a future election.
Jeremy Clarkson is no stranger to wading into politics | AMAZONSpeaking on Sky News, he continued: "I welcome all comers. Let's see what happens," whilst expressing scepticism about whether Mr Clarkson would actually mount a campaign.
The television personality, who was born in Doncaster but now operates his Diddly Squat farm in Oxfordshire, had posted on social media platform X earlier this month.
He penned on his account: "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?"
Ed Miliband welcomed Jeremy Clarkson's suggestion of challenging him
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This echoed a remarkably similar message from 2013, when Clarkson wrote: "I'm thinking I might stand in the next election as an independent for Doncaster North, which is where I'm from. Thoughts?"
That earlier post garnered significant attention, receiving over 1,000 retweets including from former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, yet Mr Clarkson never materialised as a candidate in the 2015 general election.
During his appearance on BBC's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, presented by Victoria Derbyshire, Mr Miliband reiterated his position that decisions about parliamentary candidacy rest with individuals themselves.
"It's for other people to decide if they want to stand for Parliament, including in my seat," the minister said.
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Mr Miliband secured his Doncaster North seat with a 9,100-vote majority in last year's general election, though recent polling indicates Reform UK could potentially unseat him if an election were held today.
The Clarkson's Farm presenter has emerged as a vocal opponent of Sir Keir Starmer's Labour government since it took office in July of last year.
In particular, he has criticised agricultural inheritance tax changes and environmental policies overseen by Mr Miliband's department.
Despite his criticism of the current administration, Mr Clarkson's political allegiances remain unclear, having recently attacked both Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and the Prime Minister in his Sun newspaper column.
Jeremy Clarkson recently posted about challenging Ed Miliband over his Doncaster North seat
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"Farage rarely talks about the economy and when he does, his numbers don't add up," Clarkson wrote, adding that the Reform leader "scuttles back to his safe space and starts raging about small boats" when challenged.
The broadcaster reserved equally harsh words for Starmer, claiming the Prime Minister "has no clue what to do about the economy because he's thick."
Mr Clarkson has set Ed Miliband's Doncaster North seat in his sights | GETTYMr Clarkson's political history includes supporting the Conservatives and maintaining a friendship with former Prime Minister David Cameron, attending Margaret Thatcher's funeral in 2013 and backing the Remain campaign during the 2016 EU referendum.