Matt Goodwin Announced as Reform UK Candidate for Gorton and Denton By-Election
Political commentator and GB News presenter Matt Goodwin has been officially confirmed as Reform UK's candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election in Greater Manchester. The announcement was made at a constituency press conference, where Goodwin positioned himself as an outsider challenging the political establishment.
Positioning the Contest as a Starmer Referendum
Goodwin immediately framed the by-election as a direct challenge to Labour leadership, declaring: "This by-election is actually a referendum. It's a referendum on Keir Starmer." He emphasised his distance from traditional political structures, stating: "I am not a career politician. I am not a Tory. I am not part of the establishment. I am not part of the Westminster blob."
The candidate presented himself as representing ordinary taxpayers frustrated with current political developments, claiming to voice the concerns of "hard-working taxpayers who are just fed up of watching what is happening to their communities and to their home."
Political Context and Recent History
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who cited health reasons for stepping down. In the 2024 general election, Labour secured the seat with a substantial majority of 18,555 votes, while Reform UK achieved second place with 5,142 votes, narrowly ahead of the Green Party's 4,810.
This contest occurs against a backdrop of internal Labour tensions, with Sir Keir Starmer facing criticism for blocking Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as the Labour candidate. The Prime Minister defended this decision by the party's National Executive Committee, arguing that Burnham's candidacy would divert resources from crucial local election campaigns.
Reform UK's Strategic Positioning
Goodwin clarified Reform UK's identity during his announcement, distancing the party from being merely "a sort of Tory party 2.0." He explained: "I've got lots of friends in the party who are former Labour people, former Lib Dem people, none of the above people." When questioned about potential campaigning support from high-profile Conservative defectors like Nadhim Zahawi and Suella Braverman, Goodwin emphasised Reform's broader appeal across the political spectrum.
The candidate reinforced Nigel Farage's vision of a "people's revolt," stating: "The power behind this people's revolt has to, as the name implies, it has to come from the people from across the political spectrum, left, right, centre, none of the above."
Opposition Responses and Criticisms
Labour representatives launched strong criticisms of Goodwin's candidacy. Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell warned: "Matt Goodwin represents the kind of politics that will drive a wedge between communities in Manchester." She accused Reform of misjudging local sentiment and offering "division, animosity, and hatred" rather than Manchester's traditional values of unity and pride.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves dismissed Reform UK as "just recycled Conservatives," describing them as "washed-up Conservative politicians who now want to put on a different rosette." She highlighted that one recent Reform recruit had been "so poor that she was sacked by Liz Truss," suggesting this revealed the party's true nature.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski framed the contest as "a straight contest between hope and hate," while Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Lisa Smart warned against allowing "the divisive politics of Trump's America to become the blueprint for Farage's Britain."
Campaign Dynamics and Future Developments
Labour is scheduled to select its candidate for the Westminster seat this Saturday, setting the stage for a potentially contentious campaign period. Both major parties have indicated they will campaign intensively in the constituency, with Labour particularly focused on countering what they characterise as Reform's divisive politics.
The by-election represents a significant test for Reform UK's ability to convert recent opinion poll advantages into tangible electoral success, particularly in a traditionally Labour-supporting area. Goodwin's candidacy marks another step in the party's efforts to position itself as a genuine alternative to established political forces, appealing to voters disillusioned with both Conservative and Labour leadership.
