Voters Express Horror as Farage Campaigns with Controversial Candidate
Residents in the constituencies of Gorton and Denton have voiced strong opposition to Nigel Farage's presence alongside Reform UK's divisive parliamentary candidate, Matthew Goodwin. The Reform leader visited Greater Manchester this week, sparking outrage among locals who described the move as "disgusting" and "outrageous." This comes as Labour faces significant internal criticism for blocking Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the upcoming by-election, scheduled for February 26.
Controversial Comments and Local Backlash
Matthew Goodwin, the Reform candidate, ignited a racism controversy last November following a knife attack on a London-bound train. After it was revealed the suspect was British, Goodwin posted on social media platform X, stating: "These migrants do not instantly adopt the host country's 'British' or 'English' culture and identity the moment they sign a few papers." He has declined to disown these remarks during the current campaign.
Local voter Juliana Awoyemi, a 57-year-old mother of three originally from Nigeria, expressed her horror. "I'm horrified Farage and his candidate are here," she said. "What Goodwin said was disgusting. We need nice people in government, not people like Farage. I really hope Labour will win as they are the best party and we want the best in the area."
Jane Harris, 27, pushing her baby in a pram near Gorton's large Tesco supermarket, added: "I'm disgusted by Farage and his candidate. It's outrageous that he's here. We are a very mixed area and we don't want anyone stirring up racial tension."
Labour's Internal Strife and By-Election Dynamics
The by-election was triggered after suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne announced he was stepping down. Labour's national executive committee (NEC) recently rejected Andy Burnham's bid to stand, a decision that has sparked considerable internal debate. One Labour backbencher warned: "If we lose the by-election, the message is going to be that Keir Starmer sacrificed a seat to keep Andy Burnham out. That won't play out well."
Labour MP Karl Turner revealed he had spoken with deputy leader Lucy Powell, who is on the ground in the constituency. "Lucy assures me that it's good on the ground," he said, but added: "If we don't win this by-election the pressure on the gaffer will be intense. And that's not what we need."
Keir Starmer has framed the contest as a two-way fight between Labour and Reform, despite the Green Party's claims to be best placed to defeat Mr Farage's party. On Friday, Starmer stated: "We'll have an excellent candidate in the by-election, and it's already clear that it's going to be a straight fight between Labour and Reform. And Reform have chosen their candidate and you can see from that candidate that what they will have as their campaign is a politics of division and toxic divide. Labour will fight that."
Mixed Reactions from the Electorate
While many voters expressed opposition to Reform, some indicated they would be supporting the party. Market stall holder Ann Duckers, 70, said: "I wish I had seen Farage and Goodwin as they'll be getting my vote. A lot of people feel the same and are turning their back on Labour. There is too much illegal immigration in this country now. We need someone in power who will do something about it." When asked about Goodwin's extreme views, she conceded: "It's not good. This is a very mixed multi-cultural area and we all get on. What he said is a load of rubbish but hopefully he has changed his tune."
Retired hospital porter Edward Hughes, 72, stated: "I want Labour to win to keep out Reform. I'd have preferred Andy Burnham to have stood but still think Labour are the best bet. We don't want Farage and his right-wing mob here. I'm glad I didn't see him when he came here."
Constituent Beatrice Wood, 85, told reporters: "Oh God. I would have voted for Andy Burnham, I think he is doing well. But he's not standing now." Asked about the Reform candidate, she said: "No, definitely not." She highlighted the cost of living as the biggest issue: "The cost of living, everything is going up. A lot of money is being wasted, we didn't get any of these handouts in the 40s when I was a kid."
Expert Analysis and Candidate Selection
Polling expert Professor Sir John Curtice provided a cautious assessment of the race: "Yeah they can. Of course they can. They can. But probably only just if they do. And equally can Reform win it? Yes - probably only just if they do. Can the Greens do it? Well, more of a challenge on the evidence that we've got so far, limited as it is. Can't be entirely ruled out."
Labour is set to unveil its candidate on Saturday, with Bury Council leader Eamonn O'Brien and Whalley Range councillor Angeliki Stogia as the final two contenders. Meanwhile, the Green Party has confirmed Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, as their candidate. Spencer declared: "This is a crucial by-election. The choice is clear - Green v Reform. Hope v hate."
Adding to the controversy, Matthew Goodwin has received backing from far-right agitator Tommy Robinson, who posted on X: "Vote for Matt." This endorsement further complicates Reform's campaign in the diverse constituencies of Gorton and Denton.
Former nurse Bernie Scanlon, 61, reflected the uncertainty among some traditional Labour voters: "I voted Labour in the past but I don't think I will this time. Something's got to change. From what people have been saying, I think Reform are going to win here. It's good Farage showed his face here."
James Pearson, 68, from Denton town centre, expressed disappointment about Burnham's exclusion: "I would have voted for Andy Burnham even though things have gone pear shaped for this government." The February 26 by-election is shaping up to be a critical test for all parties involved, with implications that could reverberate through Westminster.
