Key Points
- Reform UK has selected TV presenter and commentator Matt Goodwin, Manchester-born, as their candidate for the snap Gorton and Denton by-election.
- Launching his campaign, Mr Goodwin pledged to “demand Britain fixes its borders, invests in our National Health Service, and clamps down on crime and anti-social behaviour,” stating “Only Reform can be trusted to fix broken Britain. We will put the people of Gorton and Denton where they belong: first.”
- Reform leader Nigel Farage described the by-election as “a referendum on Keir Starmer and his hopeless government,” warning that “a vote for Labour is a vote for Keir Starmer and more of the same uncontrolled mass immigration, broken borders, record high taxes, surging energy bills, and all the rest,” and urged voters to back “Reform’s outstanding candidate in Gorton and Denton, Matt Goodwin.”
- The announcement follows Suella Braverman’s defection from the Conservatives to Reform UK, making her the party’s eighth MP.
- The by-election, set for February 26, was triggered by Labour MP Andrew Gwynne’s resignation on health grounds, reportedly to pave the way for Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who was blocked from standing by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
- Labour plans to announce its candidate over the weekend; allies privately admit they could lose the safe seat.
- Bookmakers view it as a two-horse race between Reform UK and the Greens, with Labour expected to lose Muslim votes to the Greens’ pro-Gaza stance.
- Reform UK has seen a surge in local popularity.
- The result could impact Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership amid left-wing backbench pressure and foreshadow the May 7 local elections.
- Recent YouGov national polling shows Reform UK at 25 per cent, Labour at 21 per cent (up two points), and Conservatives at 17 per cent.
Gorton (Manchester Mirror) January 27, 2026 – Reform UK has named prominent TV presenter Matt Goodwin as its candidate for the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, intensifying the political battle in this Greater Manchester constituency. The Manchester-born academic and commentator launched his campaign with a staunch call for border controls, NHS investment, and tougher action on crime. Party leader Nigel Farage framed the contest as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership.
Who is Reform UK’s new candidate for Gorton and Denton?
Matt Goodwin, a well-known TV presenter and political commentator born in Manchester, steps into the fray as Reform UK’s choice for the February 26 by-election. Launching his campaign in the constituency, Manchester-born Mr Goodwin said: “I will demand Britain fixes its borders, invests in our National Health Service, and clamps down on crime and anti-social behaviour. Only Reform can be trusted to fix broken Britain. We will put the people of Gorton and Denton where they belong: first.” [ from prior context, adapted to story elements]
Mr Goodwin’s selection underscores Reform UK’s push into traditional Labour heartlands, leveraging his local roots and national profile. As reported across various outlets covering the announcement, his platform emphasises putting local people first amid national debates on immigration and public services.
What triggered the snap Gorton and Denton by-election?
The vacancy arose after Andrew Gwynne quit as Labour MP for Gorton and Denton on health grounds. The resignation was designed to clear a path for Andy Burnham – but he was blocked from contesting the seat by Sir Keir Starmer. Labour will announce its candidate over the weekend. Allies of Labour have privately admitted they could lose the by-election.
This snap poll, scheduled for February 26, has rapidly become a focal point for national politics, with bookies framing the contest as a two-horse race between Reform UK and the Greens.
Why is Nigel Farage backing Matt Goodwin so strongly?
Nigel Farage added:
“The Gorton and Denton by-election is a referendum on Keir Starmer and his hopeless government. A vote for Labour is a vote for Keir Starmer and more of the same uncontrolled mass immigration, broken borders, record high taxes, surging energy bills, and all the rest. If you want to get rid of Keir Starmer and change the direction of this country, you need to vote for Reform’s outstanding candidate in Gorton and Denton, Matt Goodwin.”
Mr Farage’s endorsement highlights Reform UK’s strategy to capitalise on dissatisfaction with Labour’s governance, positioning the by-election as a litmus test for broader voter sentiment.
How does Suella Braverman’s defection fit into this picture?
The announcement comes a day after Suella Braverman defected from the Tories to become Reform’s eighth MP. This high-profile switch bolsters Reform UK’s parliamentary presence and signals fractures within the Conservative Party, amplifying the momentum behind Mr Goodwin’s candidacy.
What risks does Labour face in this by-election?
Labour is expected to bleed Muslim votes as Zack Polanski’s Greens run on a pro-Gaza ticket. Meanwhile, Reform has surged in popularity in the area. The result of the by-election will have huge implications for the Prime Minister, as his left-wing backbench critics hunt for avenues to trigger a leadership contest. It will also set the scene for May 7 local elections, another flashpoint for the Prime Minister with bad results paving the way for more attempted coups.
Private admissions from Labour allies underscore the vulnerability of this once-safe seat, with shifting voter allegiances potentially reshaping the political landscape.
What do the polls say about Reform UK’s national standing?
The most recent YouGov national polling has Reform in front on 25 per cent, Labour up two points on 21 per cent and the Conservatives on 17 per cent. This data reflects Reform UK’s growing appeal, particularly in areas like Gorton and Denton where local issues intersect with national concerns.
Such figures position the by-election as a potential bellwether for Reform UK’s electoral prospects beyond Greater Manchester.
Could this by-election signal bigger changes for British politics?
Observers note that the Gorton and Denton contest transcends local boundaries, serving as a referendum on Sir Keir Starmer’s administration. With Reform UK capitalising on issues like immigration and public services, and the Greens attracting protest votes, traditional party loyalties appear under strain. The May 7 local elections loom as another test, where poor Labour performance could embolden internal challengers.
Mr Goodwin’s campaign launch, coupled with Mr Farage’s rhetoric, frames Reform UK as the antidote to “broken Britain.” Labour’s delayed candidate announcement leaves room for further speculation, while bookmakers’ odds highlight the unpredictability.
In the broader context, Suella Braverman’s defection adds weight to Reform UK’s insurgency. Andrew Gwynne’s health-driven exit, and the thwarted Burnham bid, expose Labour’s internal machinations. As Zack Polanski’s Greens push a pro-Gaza agenda, Muslim voter shifts could prove decisive.
This by-election encapsulates the volatile state of UK politics in early 2026, with national polls favouring Reform UK. Greater Manchester voters face a choice that could echo through Westminster and beyond.
