Story perspectives

Reform UK Reports Labour to Police Over Misleading Video

1/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Reform UK has reported Labour to the police over a video featuring Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin for the Gorton and Denton by-election, alleging the clip is misleading.
The video shows Goodwin discussing Manchester but omits context about the Conservative Party conference.
Goodwin says Labour's editing misrepresents his comments.
Greater Manchester Police found no offense in the complaint.
The by-election follows Labour MP Andrew Gwynne's resignation due to health issues.

History

Historical Context

The Gorton by-election controversy in 2019 arose after Labour MP Andrew Gwynne's resignation, echoing past political tensions. In 2017, the Conservative Party faced backlash over misleading ads during the general election, while the Greater Manchester Police dismissed similar complaints. This ongoing scrutiny underscores the importance of transparency in political campaigns, particularly in light of the constituency's historical Labour dominance since 1935.

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Story summary

Reform UK has reported Labour to the police over a video featuring Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin for the Gorton and Denton by-election, alleging the clip is misleading.
The video shows Goodwin discussing Manchester but omits context about the Conservative Party conference.
Goodwin says Labour's editing misrepresents his comments.
Greater Manchester Police found no offense in the complaint.
The by-election follows Labour MP Andrew Gwynne's resignation due to health issues.

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