Controversy Surrounds Matt Goodwin's Campaign in Gorton and Denton By-Election

Matt Goodwin, a prominent figure in the Reform UK party, is the most recognized candidate in the Gorton and Denton by-election. A former academic and right-wing commentator, Goodwin has faced criticism for allegedly aligning with far-right ideologies. His campaign team includes several individuals with controversial backgrounds, raising questions about the party's stance on extremism.

'I wouldn't touch a Jewish woman': Meet the Reform team in Gorton and Denton

Goodwin's interim campaign manager, Adam Mitula, has made inflammatory statements on social media, including claims that "60-70% of transgender people are paedophiles" and derogatory remarks about Jewish individuals. Additionally, Kelly Cooling, who has campaigned alongside Goodwin, previously supported the far-right group Britain First. Alanna Vine, another campaigner, was expelled from the Conservative Party for making discriminatory comments about Muslims. Jacqui Harris, chair of Reform’s Kenilworth and Southam branch, has also faced scrutiny for promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitic content.

'I wouldn't touch a Jewish woman': Meet the Reform team in Gorton and Denton

Despite the troubling associations of his campaign team, Goodwin has refrained from publicly condemning their views or responding to inquiries about their statements. He has also avoided participating in campaign events, citing concerns over impartiality. His absence from a recent hustings event has been noted, with organizers stating that they received numerous requests from Reform supporters to attend.

'I wouldn't touch a Jewish woman': Meet the Reform team in Gorton and Denton

The Gorton and Denton by-election is significant, with the area's Muslim population, comprising approximately 30% of the electorate, playing a crucial role in the outcome. The Labour Party, historically dominant in the region, faces challenges from both the Greens and Reform UK. The Greens have received endorsements from local pressure groups, while Labour is actively campaigning in mosques to retain voter loyalty.

We made six pledges to Manchester. Now we're making good on them

Critics of Goodwin's campaign have raised alarms about the potential normalization of far-right rhetoric within Reform UK. The presence of individuals with extremist views in his campaign team has led to concerns about the party's direction and its implications for broader political discourse in the UK.

'I wouldn't touch a Jewish woman': Meet the Reform team in Gorton and Denton

Goodwin has expressed concerns regarding the impartiality of campaign events, stating that he believes a fair platform is not being provided for all candidates. However, he has not elaborated on specific statements that prompted his withdrawal from the hustings.

We made six pledges to Manchester. Now we're making good on them

As the by-election progresses, the candidates are expected to intensify their campaigning efforts. The outcome could significantly influence the political landscape in the UK, particularly for the Reform and Green parties, as well as the future of the Labour Party in the constituency. The next hustings, hosted by the Levenshulme community association, will be a critical opportunity for candidates to engage with voters directly.

We made six pledges to Manchester. Now we're making good on them

• “serious concerns about the impartiality” — Matt Goodwin, Reform UK Candidate

We made six pledges to Manchester. Now we're making good on them

• “There are now 1000’s & 1000’s of them. Seeing is believing, they live no differently than they did in Somalia. [The UK] is finished!” — Alanna Vine, Campaigner

'I wouldn't touch a Jewish woman': Meet the Reform team in Gorton and Denton

• “6 million polish [sic] people including some Jews. They always use Poles to make up the number. And on top of it they claim Poles were killing. Just sick.” — Adam Mitula, Interim Campaign Manager

'I wouldn't touch a Jewish woman': Meet the Reform team in Gorton and Denton