Reform UK Candidate Matt Goodwin Faces Fury Over Fertility and Tax Proposals
Matt Goodwin, the Reform UK candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection, has ignited a fierce controversy after unearthed YouTube footage revealed his comments calling for "young girls and women" to receive a "biological reality" check regarding childbirth. In a clip from November 2024, Goodwin stated that "many women in Britain are having children much too late in life" and expressed a need to educate them on this issue. The remarks have been condemned as promoting an "alt right fantasy" and likened to a dystopian future, with critics accusing him of blaming women for declining birthrates.
Backlash from MPs and Equality Campaigners
The Independent first reported the comments, sparking immediate outrage. Sarah Owen, chair of the Commons women and equalities committee, described Goodwin's suggestions as "deeply offensive," particularly for individuals facing fertility challenges, LGBT+ people, or those unable to afford children. She emphasized that his ideas appeared to lack input from real women. Natalie Fleet, the Labour MP for Bolsover, who experienced pregnancy as a teenager, criticized Goodwin on social media, questioning if his views aligned with a "Handmaid's Tale future," referencing Margaret Atwood's novel about a repressive society.
Additional Controversies and Party Response
Further scrutiny emerged from a February 2025 podcast with right-wing commentator Jordan Peterson, where Goodwin appeared to agree with claims that universities are dominated by "childless women," contributing to "politically correct authoritarianism." A Reform spokesperson defended the discussion, stating it was based on peer-reviewed studies about psychological differences between genders. Regarding Goodwin's 2023 suggestion to remove personal income tax for women with two or more children, the party clarified he did not advocate higher taxes for childless individuals but called for a mature debate on supporting families.
Wider Political and Social Reactions
Other political figures joined the condemnation. Hannah Spencer, the Green party candidate in Gorton and Denton, argued that women grapple with practical issues like cost of living and NHS inequalities, urging Goodwin to focus on solutions rather than divisive rhetoric. Penny East, CEO of the Fawcett Society, labeled the idea of pressuring young girls into early motherhood as "dystopian and deeply sexist." Stella Creasy, MP for Walthamstow, mocked Goodwin's proposals as an "alt right fantasy" and contrasted them with more benign midlife crises.
The controversy highlights ongoing debates about fertility, gender roles, and political discourse in the UK, with Goodwin's comments drawing sharp rebukes across the political spectrum and raising questions about Reform UK's policies and messaging.
