Some women in a significant by-election battleground area are feeling unsafe to venture out of their residences due to the messaging spread by Reform UK, as cautioned by a Labour candidate. Angeliki Stogia, representing Labour in the Gorton and Denton by-election, accused Reform’s candidate Matthew Goodwin of stigmatizing immigrants during a public event in Manchester.
During a contentious exchange, Stogia criticized Goodwin for being accompanied by security personnel while women in the district live in fear because of the party’s polarizing stance. The upcoming battle on February 26 poses a critical challenge for Keir Starmer, who recently faced a leadership threat. Reform UK aims to challenge the Labour stronghold in the election, while the Green Party aims to attract left-leaning voters. The campaign has already turned acrimonious with allegations of misinformation and divisive tactics.
During a panel event hosted by the Manchester Evening News, candidates for the by-election engaged in a heated discussion, including a query on whether Donald Trump’s ICE could impact UK immigration policy. Goodwin evaded the specific question on ICE and instead launched into a tirade about immigrants obstructing British families from acquiring homes.
Critiquing the use of houses for multiple occupants to house migrants, the GB News presenter questioned the fairness of prioritizing migrants over British citizens in the housing market. In response, Stogia confronted Goodwin about the fear instilled in women in the community due to his rhetoric, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and inclusive discussions rather than targeting specific ethnic groups.
Goodwin, referencing the grooming scandal, rebuked Stogia for Labour’s alleged failure to address sexual abuse issues and defended his need for security, citing threats to his life. He highlighted the need for a responsible conversation on integration issues in the country.
In a separate response to the question regarding Trump’s ICE influence, Green candidate Hannah Spencer expressed concerns about politicians aligning with Trump and the impact it may have on immigrants in the region. Liberal Democrat candidate Jackie Pearcey condemned ICE’s actions in the US and emphasized the importance of upholding human rights to prevent similar violations in the UK.