Reform UK Faces Backlash Over Controversial By-Election Candidate Selection
Reform UK has ignited a political firestorm by selecting Matt Goodwin, a prominent right-wing activist and GB News commentator, as its candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. The decision has prompted fierce criticism from rival parties, who have labelled Goodwin a "dangerous" figure and accused Reform of engaging in "rent-an-extremist" tactics.
Who is Matt Goodwin?
Matt Goodwin, unveiled at a press conference by Reform MP Lee Anderson, is an academic-turned-activist who has become a significant voice on the radical right. He declared himself "not a part of the establishment" and framed the February 26th contest as a "referendum on Keir Starmer." However, his background is mired in controversy.
Anti-racism organisation HOPE not hate has documented his evolution from a researcher studying far-right extremism to what they describe as "one of the most effective radical-right figures in the UK." The group highlights a "racial element" to his concept of Britishness, citing a 2024 article where he discussed Britain's "demographic CRISIS" and the forecast decline of the "white British" population.
Joe Mulhall, Director of Research at HOPE not hate, stated: "Matt Goodwin is an opportunist extremist, whose sad desperation for recognition would be amusing if he wasn’t so dangerous. He will do or say anything on the hunt for more clicks and subscribers - and now for votes."Racism Row and Past Controversies
Goodwin's selection follows a previous racism controversy in November, when Reform appointed him as honorary president of its Students4Reform organisation. He faced criticism for suggesting that people from minority ethnic backgrounds born in the UK are not necessarily British.
In a series of social media posts, he linked a mass stabbing in Huntingdon to "mass uncontrolled immigration," and when it was noted the attacker was British-born, he responded by referencing the 7/7 bombers, stating: "It takes more than a piece of paper to make somebody ‘British’."
Political Reactions and Accusations of Divisive Politics
The reaction from other political parties has been overwhelmingly negative, with accusations that Goodwin's candidacy represents a toxic and divisive form of politics.
- Labour's Response: Deputy Leader Lucy Powell warned that Goodwin represents politics that "will drive a wedge between communities in Manchester." In a letter to voters, she argued that only Labour can stop Reform's "toxic politics," claiming Reform would "destroy the NHS, pander to Putin and scrap workers rights."
- Green Party Criticism: Leader Zack Polanski described the selection as "an insult to the people of Gorton and Denton," calling Goodwin a "rent-an-extremist" and accusing Reform of using the constituency as a platform for career advancement rather than genuine representation.
- Liberal Democrat Condemnation: Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart labelled Goodwin a "professional wind-up merchant" more interested in headlines than solving the cost of living crisis, warning against allowing "the divisive politics of Trump’s America to become the blueprint for Farage’s Britain."
The By-Election Context and Stakes
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne due to health reasons. In the 2024 general election, Labour won the seat decisively with 18,555 votes, while Reform came second with 5,142, narrowly ahead of the Greens. The contest is now viewed as a critical test of public sentiment towards the Starmer government and the growing influence of Reform UK.
Despite the controversy, Goodwin remains defiant, positioning himself as an outsider fighting for "hard-working taxpayers" who are "fed up of watching what is happening to their communities." The outcome on February 26th will reveal whether his message resonates with voters in Greater Manchester or if the accusations of extremism prove decisive.
