Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Reform UK, accusing the party of promoting a "toxic division" agenda following their selection of Matt Goodwin as the candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. The controversy stems from Goodwin's past remarks questioning whether individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds born in the UK are necessarily British.
Starmer Condemns Reform's Divisive Tactics
Speaking to reporters while en route to China, Starmer did not mince words in his criticism of Reform's political strategy. He asserted that the byelection would become a clear contest between Labour's values and what he described as Reform's harmful approach.
"You can see from their candidate what politics they're going to bring to that constituency: the politics of division, of toxic division, of tearing people apart," Starmer declared. "That's not what that constituency is about, it's not what Manchester is about, so this is a straight fight between Labour and Reform."
Goodwin's Controversial Background
Matt Goodwin, unveiled as Reform's candidate on Tuesday, has faced significant criticism for his previous statements regarding British identity. The hard-right activist has claimed that people from black, Asian, or immigrant backgrounds are not always British, even if they were born in the United Kingdom.
This demographic diversity makes Goodwin's selection particularly contentious for the south-east Manchester seat, which has a varied population makeup. Starmer emphasised that Labour represents the only viable option to prevent Reform from gaining ground in the constituency.
Labour Positions Itself as 'Stop Reform' Vote
Senior Labour figures have been urgently working to establish their party as the primary alternative to Reform UK, learning from recent electoral experiences. In the Caerphilly byelection, which Plaid Cymru ultimately won, Labour acknowledged they were too slow to benefit from tactical voting against Reform.
Starmer reinforced this strategic positioning, stating: "There's only one party to stop Reform and that's the Labour party. We can already see what the byelection is going to be about, which is Labour values which are about delivering on the cost of living with a strong record in that constituency of what we've already done versus Reform."
Burnham's Candidacy Blocked Amid Tensions
The prime minister also addressed the ongoing situation with Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was prevented from standing as the Labour candidate for Gorton and Denton. Starmer confirmed he had spoken with Burnham on Monday following a weekend of political friction.
While officially citing the cost of a subsequent mayoral byelection as the reason for blocking Burnham's candidacy, many observers believe the move was actually designed to avoid a potential leadership challenge from the popular mayor. Starmer denied that Burnham received advance warning about the decision.
"No, he wasn't," the prime minister stated regarding whether Burnham had been forewarned. "I know who was talking to Andy on Saturday, and that wasn't said. That's Andy's position as well. I actually spoke to Andy yesterday, and he's been in touch with him again today."
Political Landscape Shifts in Gorton and Denton
The upcoming byelection promises to be fiercely contested, with multiple parties vying for victory. The Greens, who secured third place in the constituency during the general election, have announced they will mount a comprehensive campaign to win the seat.
Green Party officials argue they have a genuine chance of success following Burnham's exclusion from the Labour candidacy. This creates a complex political dynamic where Labour must simultaneously counter Reform's divisive messaging while defending against challenges from other progressive parties.
When questioned about whether he would welcome Burnham back to Parliament after his mayoral term concludes in May 2028, Starmer praised the mayor's work while maintaining diplomatic distance. "He's doing a first-class job in Manchester," Starmer remarked, adding that any potential return to Westminster would be "a matter for Andy."
The Gorton and Denton byelection has thus emerged as a crucial battleground where questions of national identity, political division, and electoral strategy will be tested in the coming weeks.
