Labour Calls on Reform Candidate to Condemn Racist Team Content
Labour has demanded that Reform UK's candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection, Matt Goodwin, publicly distance himself from "racist content" shared by members of his campaign team. In a strongly worded letter, Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell MP, cited an investigation by the Manchester Mill which revealed that five individuals campaigning with Goodwin had expressed support for far-right groups and posted offensive material online.
Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Social Media Posts
The report, referencing research from the anti-fascist group Hope Not Hate, highlighted posts by Goodwin's interim campaign manager in Tameside, Adam Mitula. These included Mitula suggesting that "60-70%" of transgender people are paedophiles, stating he would "never touch a Jewish woman," and using racial slurs. The Guardian also found tweets where Mitula claimed there are "Muslim no go ghettos in the UK" and made derogatory comments about Black fathers.
Additionally, Mitula expressed support for online influencer Andrew Tate, who is under investigation for human trafficking and rape, calling him a "potentially future prime minister" in a response to an interview. The Mill reported on another campaigner, Kelly Cooling, who allegedly showed support for the far-right Britain First party, and Alanna Vine, who was suspended by the Conservative party in 2022 for discriminatory posts against Muslims.
Goodwin's Campaign Mired in Controversy
Goodwin, hoping to become Reform UK's ninth MP in a seat where Labour holds a 13,000-vote majority, has faced ongoing controversy. Recently, he was accused of advocating a "Handmaid's Tale future" after footage emerged of him calling for "young girls and women" to be given a "biological reality" check. Powell's letter emphasizes that while Goodwin may not have initially been aware of his team's views, he must now take action.
The letter states: "You can ensure that they are not part of your campaign in the future, make clear that you disagree with their vile views, and state clearly that racism and conspiracism like this is not welcome in Reform and not compatible with campaigning for you." It warns that failure to distance himself could imply association with such views.
Reform UK and Adam Mitula have been contacted for a response as the political pressure mounts ahead of the byelection.
