Reform UK has been accused of selecting a “dangerous” right-wing activist and GB News commentator as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election. Nigel Farage’s party unveiled academic-turned-activist Matt Goodwin, who was embroiled in a racism row last year, as its pick for the February 26 contest.
At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Goodwin declared himself “not a part of the establishment” and branded the by-election a “referendum on Keir Starmer”. But critics warned he is a “rent-an-extremist” desperate for recognition. Labour said Mr Goodwin represents divisive politics and will “drive a wedge between communities” in the Greater Manchester constituency.
Hope Not Hate (HNH) has described Mr Goodwin as having gone from being “a serious academic working to understand the drivers of far-right extremism” to “one of the most effective radical-right figures in the UK”. The anti-racism organisation highlighted a “racial element” to his idea of Britishness, including a 2024 Substack article about Britain’s “demographic CRISIS”.
Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said: “Matt Goodwin represents the kind of politics that will drive a wedge between communities in Manchester. Reform have misjudged the mood around Manchester and they won’t put the priorities of working people first.” In a letter to voters, she warned: “Recent polling is clear that this is between Labour and Reform. No one else is in this race, so sitting it out or planning a protest vote will not stop Reform – it will help them.”
The Green Party leader, Zack Polanski, said: “This by-election is a straight contest between hope and hate.” The by-election will take place on February 26.
