Matthew Goodwin, a prominent hard-right activist and newly announced Reform UK candidate for the Gorton and Denton byelection, has sparked controversy by refusing to disown his previous statements on British identity. At a press conference in Denton on Tuesday, Goodwin declined to answer questions from the Guardian regarding his claim that people from black, Asian, or other immigrant backgrounds are not always British, asserting that "it takes more than a piece of paper to make somebody 'British'."
Background and Criticism
Goodwin, who is also a presenter on GB News, was unveiled as Reform UK's candidate in the demographically diverse south-east Manchester seat. His selection has surprised some commentators, given his outspoken views on nationality and Islam. The Liberal Democrats have described his remarks as "racist" and "abhorrent," adding fuel to the debate over inclusivity in British politics.
Constituency Demographics
According to the latest census data, nearly half of the population in Gorton and Denton—44%—identify as coming from an ethnic minority background, while 79% of the constituency identifies as British. This context highlights the sensitivity of Goodwin's comments, particularly as more than one in four voters in the area identify as Muslim.
At the event, Goodwin posed for photographs alongside Lee Anderson, Reform UK's chief whip and MP, who described the Manchester-born academic as a "fearless" activist willing to "debate anybody at any time." However, Goodwin twice avoided directly addressing whether he stood by his controversial views when questioned by the Guardian.
Political Context and Campaign Focus
Reform UK is aiming to overturn Labour's 13,000-vote majority in the byelection, seeking to gain its ninth MP following the recent defection of former Conservative home secretary Suella Braverman. The Green party is also mounting a strong challenge in the seat, which has a significant left-voting population and historically sent Labour MPs to Westminster for decades before boundary changes in 2024.
Goodwin's Message to Voters
When asked for his message to ethnic minority voters in the constituency, Goodwin shifted focus to broader political issues. He stated, "My message to everybody in this seat is [that] if you are working hard, paying taxes, contributing to this economy, you should be as concerned by what’s happening in No 10 Downing Street as I am." He emphasised that his campaign is not about religion, race, or ethnicity, but about fairness and respect within the system.
Goodwin also referenced his recent writings, where he claimed Britain's "ruling class" is "silencing" debate about Islam, calling it "one of the most serious assaults on free speech and free expression Britain has ever seen."
Campaign Priorities and Local Issues
During the 30-minute press conference, Goodwin and Anderson repeatedly touched on local concerns, including crime, the decline of high streets, and houses of multiple occupancy. Anderson alleged that such properties often house "upwards of four or five single young men, creating all sorts of mayhem, committing crimes, terrorising neighbourhoods." They also discussed the issue of child grooming gangs, a topic with particular resonance in nearby Rochdale and Oldham councils.
Broader Political Implications
Goodwin framed Reform UK's rising poll numbers as "the most significant insurgency since the rise of the Labour party 100 years ago when it replaced the Liberals," describing it as a "seismic political revolution." This rhetoric underscores the party's ambition to disrupt the traditional political landscape in the UK.
The byelection in Gorton and Denton is shaping up to be a critical test for Reform UK's appeal and Goodwin's ability to navigate the complexities of a diverse electorate while standing by his contentious views.
