Labour Faces 'Gaslighting' Accusations Over Edited Reform Candidate Video
Labour has been accused of gaslighting voters with what opponents describe as lies about Reform UK's candidate in the upcoming Gorton & Denton by-election. The controversy centres on a video released by Sir Keir Starmer's party that allegedly misrepresents comments made by commentator and Reform candidate Matt Goodwin.
Edited Footage Sparks Political Firestorm
Labour issued a video last night claiming that Mr Goodwin had slagged off Manchester during a speech. However, the footage had been selectively edited from comments where he was actually criticising the lack of atmosphere at a Conservative Party conference held in the city. In the original context, Mr Goodwin said: 'I was lucky enough, or unfortunate enough, to be in Manchester a few days ago and the energy in this room is ten times what it was in Manchester, so congratulations.'
Labour's version added the caption: 'This is what Reform's latest candidate thinks about where he's standing to represent.' The post was retweeted by senior Labour figures including deputy leader Lucy Powell, who told GB News presenter Mr Goodwin to 'trot on'.
Reform Hits Back Over 'Misleading' Tactics
The former academic hit back forcefully on social media platform X, stating: 'I was referring to the dying Tory Party conference that was held in Manchester - as you know. This is exactly what the British people are sick and tired of: Labour gaslighting and misleading them at every turn.' He concluded with a campaign message: 'Vote Reform on February 26th, Get Rid of Keir Starmer.'
Reform MP Lee Anderson added simply: 'They just lie.' Even some Labour insiders were reportedly uncomfortable with the attack line, which signals how contentious the fight could become ahead of the February 26th vote.
Labour Defends Position Despite Criticism
A Labour campaign spokesman sidestepped questions about the video's misleading nature, instead stating: 'Matt Goodwin and Reform have long had a disdain for Manchester and the North.' Meanwhile, en route to China, Sir Keir Starmer stepped up his attack on Mr Goodwin, saying he demonstrated that Reform would bring a politics of 'toxic division' to the contest.
Sir Keir told reporters: 'That's not what that constituency is about, that's not what Manchester is about. So this is a straight fight between Labour and Reform. There's only one party that can stop Reform and that's the Labour Party.' He framed the by-election as a choice between Labour values focusing on cost of living versus Reform's approach.
High-Stakes By-Election Context
The February 26th contest has been triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne on health grounds. Labour held the seat with a 13,000 majority in 2024, but many within the party are reportedly gloomy about their prospects of clinging on amid dire national polling. Both Reform and the Greens have vowed to throw everything at the by-election, making this a crucial test for all parties involved.
This incident highlights the increasingly bitter tone of political campaigning as parties prepare for a crucial electoral test in Greater Manchester. The controversy over edited footage and accusations of gaslighting suggests the Gorton & Denton by-election campaign could become particularly contentious in its final weeks.
