Reform UK has designated Matt Goodwin as its candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election. Known as a right-wing activist and commentator on GB News, Goodwin has sparked controversy in the past due to his involvement in a racism dispute.

Criticism arose towards Reform in November when Goodwin was appointed as the honorary president of the newly formed Students4Reform group. This move led to accusations of racism against Nigel Farage’s party after Goodwin expressed the view that individuals from minority ethnic backgrounds born in the UK may not necessarily identify as British.

According to Hope Not Hate’s 2025 report, Matt Goodwin, who transitioned from an academic to an activist, has been progressively influential in supporting Reform. Recognized for his Substack platform boasting over 70,000 followers, Goodwin’s expertise in comprehending the success factors of far-right parties and their supporters has positioned him as a prominent figure within the radical-right spectrum in the UK.

When questioned about the absence of Andy Burnham in the by-election race, Goodwin criticized Labour’s internal conflicts and prioritization over serving the interests of the Gorton constituency. Addressing Muslim voters, Goodwin emphasized that hard work, tax contributions, and economic participation should unite individuals in concern over the government’s disconnection from the community, regardless of religious beliefs or ethnicity.

Previously, Goodwin had characterized Islamophobia as a trend among the elite class, as reported by Hope not Hate. Describing himself as a non-career politician and distancing himself from establishment ties, Goodwin reaffirmed his outsider stance during a recent press conference.

The by-election campaign also saw Lee Anderson, a former Tory MP, launching attacks on Keir Starmer, accusing him of evading Prime Minister’s Questions by embarking on a trip to China. Anderson’s support for Reform’s electoral prospects and criticism of Starmer’s leadership underscore the intensity of the upcoming political contest.

The Gorton by-election was triggered by independent MP Andrew Gwynne’s resignation on health grounds. Gwynne, who previously represented Labour, faced controversies leading to his suspension from the party. With the by-election set for February 26, the competition is anticipated to be fierce, with Reform and Green Party posing significant challenges to Labour’s historical dominance in the region.