Allegations Against Matt Goodwin: Reform UK Candidate Under Scrutiny

Matt Goodwin, the Reform UK candidate for the Gorton and Denton byelection, has been accused of making inappropriate comments that a young woman at GB News perceived as sexually harassing. The complaint was lodged with the network's HR department in 2025, alleging that Goodwin made remarks regarding her appearance. Following the complaint, Goodwin, 44, reportedly offered an apology. The woman later left GB News for reasons unrelated to the incident. Sources indicate that Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK, was informed about the complaint prior to Goodwin's selection as the party's candidate.

The Guardian

An inquiry conducted by GB News found both the woman's and Goodwin's accounts credible. While Goodwin's lawyer confirmed that a grievance had been raised, they characterized the situation as a "minor workplace matter" stemming from a difference in perception or miscommunication. Farage reportedly deemed the complaint not serious enough to reconsider Goodwin's candidacy, suggesting that it was simply "Matt being Matt." Despite the controversy, Goodwin was announced as the candidate shortly after the complaint was raised, following the resignation of Andrew Gwynne for health reasons.

The Guardian

Goodwin has faced significant criticism during his campaign for various past comments. In 2024, he suggested that “young girls and women” should receive a “biological reality” check, which Labour MP Natalie Fleet described as reminiscent of a “Handmaid’s Tale” future. He has also been criticized for remarks made during a podcast with right-wing academic Jordan Peterson, where he discussed the “feminisation of higher education.” Additionally, Goodwin's assertion that UK-born individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British has drawn backlash. His candidacy has been further endorsed by far-right figure Tommy Robinson, raising concerns about his suitability for the role.

The Guardian

Before entering politics, Goodwin spent most of his career in academia, having left his position as a professor at the University of Kent in 2024. He has been active in Reform UK events and maintains a Substack blog with 90,000 followers, where he shares his views. His selection as a candidate has sparked debate about the implications of his past statements and the appropriateness of his conduct.

The Guardian

Reform UK did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations against Goodwin. Both Goodwin and GB News declined to provide on-the-record statements about the situation.

The Guardian

While the inquiry into the complaint found both accounts credible, the characterization of the incident as a "minor workplace matter" has been contested by some observers who view the allegations as serious. The lack of formal disciplinary action taken against Goodwin has also raised questions about the handling of such complaints within the organization.

The Guardian

• “She was very upset at the time, and her colleagues were upset on her behalf that she was so distressed by the situation.” — Source at GB News

The Guardian

• “that is just Matt being Matt” — Nigel Farage, Leader of Reform UK

The Guardian