Starmer Condemns Reform UK's 'Poisonous Division' After Tommy Robinson Endorsement
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Reform UK, criticising what he termed the "politics of poisonous division" after the party's candidate in an upcoming by-election received endorsement from far-right activist Tommy Robinson. The Prime Minister made these remarks during the final leg of his diplomatic trip to East Asia, where he was visiting Shanghai with Business and Trade Secretary Peter Kyle.
By-Election Becomes Labour Versus Reform Battle
The political focus has shifted to the Gorton and Denton constituency in Greater Manchester, where voters will soon go to the polls in a crucial by-election. Sir Keir was directly questioned about whether this contest should be viewed as a referendum on his premiership, to which he responded by framing it as a clear choice between competing political philosophies.
"It is very much and very clearly now a by-election between Labour and Reform on key principles," the Prime Minister declared. "I see that Tommy Robinson, I think, has just come out in support of Matt Goodwin, the Reform candidate. That tells you everything about the politics they intend to inject into this by-election."
Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, publicly endorsed Reform candidate Matt Goodwin through a social media post on platform X, simply stating "vote for Matt." Goodwin is a GB News presenter and former academic who was announced as Reform UK's candidate earlier in the week.
Labour Positions Itself as Only Contender Against Reform
Sir Keir positioned Labour as the sole credible alternative to Reform UK in the constituency, stating: "So, it's Labour versus Reform and we will fight for renewal, for inclusive communities and bringing people together, and for true patriotism against the plastic patriotism of Reform. But only Labour can beat Reform, and therefore it's the only way to win this by-election."
When pressed about whether he would personally join campaign efforts on the ground in Gorton and Denton, the Prime Minister remained non-committal. "Well, we'll set our campaign plan when we've got the candidates in place later on this morning, but I will be campaigning across the country, as I always do," he responded.
Labour Selects Local Candidate as Internal Divisions Surface
Labour has selected Angeliki Stogia, a Manchester city councillor for Whalley Range since 2012, as their candidate for the by-election. At her campaign launch on Saturday, Ms Stogia presented herself as a "proud Mancunian woman" and emphasised local unity, stating: "This is about Manchester. Manchester is a city united, we are rejecting division. I am so looking forward to going out on the doorstep and winning this for Labour."
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham publicly endorsed Ms Stogia, posting on social media: "Big congrats Angeliki! I know you will do a great job. I will be there for you whenever you need me." However, this support comes amid visible internal Labour tensions, as Mr Burnham was previously blocked from standing as a candidate himself.
Steve Rotheram, the Labour mayor of the Liverpool City Region, criticised what he described as a culture of anonymous briefings from within Government, writing on X that those responsible for whispering campaigns against Mr Burnham were "gutless." He added: "These anonymous attacks help nobody but our opponents. For the sake of our party, please just stop."
Reform Distances Itself From Robinson Endorsement
In response to the controversy, a Reform UK spokesman stated that the party has been "consistently clear" about its position regarding Tommy Robinson and that "he isn't welcome in the party." This distancing comes as the party seeks to maintain its electoral momentum in a constituency where it finished second in the 2024 general election.
Labour secured the seat in 2024 with more than half the vote—18,555 ballots—while Nigel Farage's Reform UK came second with 5,142 votes, narrowly beating the Green Party's 4,810. The Greens have now selected councillor Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber, as their candidate, with Green Party leader Zack Polanski warning there are "just days to stop Reform."
Polling Suggests Competitive Race Ahead
An early opinion poll has indicated that Labour's support could potentially weaken in the constituency, with both Reform UK and the Green Party potentially gaining a larger share of the vote. However, political analysts have cautioned that the survey's sample size was relatively small, meaning it could carry a larger-than-usual margin of error.
The by-election campaign is unfolding against a backdrop of national political significance, with Reform UK seeking to capitalise on discontent with the government's performance and Labour determined to hold a traditionally safe seat. The involvement of controversial figures like Tommy Robinson has added an additional layer of complexity to what was already expected to be a closely watched electoral contest.
