Nigel Farage's Reform UK candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election, Professor Matt Goodwin, has been a curiously intangible presence in the constituency. Despite claims of daily campaigning since late January, few voters have seen him in person. One resident joked he was 'probably chilling in St Albans', referencing his southern upbringing.
Goodwin's campaign appears heavily curated for online consumption, with controlled media appearances and brief photo opportunities. A black people-carrier ferries him between locations, and he is swiftly removed afterwards. Requests to interview him or accompany canvassing have been denied, and a security guard shooed away reporters from campaign headquarters.
The by-election has been unusually feverish, with controversies including the suspension of a campaign team member, Adam Mitula, for alleged racist social media posts. There were also unsubstantiated claims of doctored photos, and far-right activist Tommy Robinson endorsed Goodwin.
Goodwin, a former academic with a large Substack following and GB News show, has been criticised for his focus on culture war issues rather than local concerns like bin collections. His campaign has drawn accusations of being more about internet presence than genuine constituency engagement.
