Reform’s Goodwin on By-Election Defeat, Gorton 2026

Key Points

• Matt Goodwin, Reform UK candidate, spoke on GB News for the first time since losing the Gorton and Denton by-election to Labour’s Ali Raza on April 1, 2026.
• Labour’s Ali Raza won with 1,293 votes; Reform UK’s Goodwin secured 1,107 votes, a narrow 186-vote margin.
• Turnout was low at 18.3%, with 4,107 votes cast from 22,450 electorate.
• Goodwin attributed defeat to “personality politics” and low turnout, claiming Reform would have won with higher participation.
• He criticised Labour’s Raza for lacking vision, calling the win a “protest vote” against national issues like grooming gangs.
• Goodwin highlighted Reform’s strong second place, surging past Conservatives (who got 512 votes) and Greens (404 votes).
• By-election triggered by resignation of Labour’s Veronica Mills over internal party issues.
• Goodwin pledged to contest the general election in Gorton South, vowing Reform’s rise in Manchester.
• Interview aired on GB News’ Patrick Christys Tonight, where Goodwin urged viewers to “watch this space.”
• Local context: Gorton South ward saw Reform gain ground amid national discontent over immigration and crime.

Gorton (Manchester Mirror) April 02, 2026 – Matt Goodwin, Reform UK’s candidate in the recent Gorton and Denton by-election, appeared on GB News to dissect his narrow defeat to Labour’s Ali Raza, signalling the party’s determination to challenge Labour’s grip on Manchester’s heartlands. In a candid first interview since the April 1 poll, Goodwin framed the loss as a stepping stone for Reform’s local ambitions, amid low turnout and shifting voter loyalties.

Who Is Matt Goodwin and Why Did He Run in Gorton?

Matt Goodwin, a prominent commentator and Reform UK figure, stepped into the political fray as the party’s candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election. As reported by Patrick Christys of GB News in the programme Patrick Christys Tonight, Goodwin stated: “This was our first by-election in Manchester, and we’ve smashed it – second place, beating the Tories into third.”

The by-election, held in Manchester’s Gorton South ward, followed the resignation of Labour councillor Veronica Mills. Mills stepped down citing internal party disputes, paving the way for a contest that drew national attention due to Reform’s rising profile. Goodwin, known for his forthright views on immigration and cultural issues, positioned himself as the anti-establishment choice.

Local election data from Manchester City Council confirms the results: Labour’s Ali Raza polled 1,293 votes (31.5%), Goodwin 1,107 (26.9%), Conservatives’ Dan Barker 512 (12.5%), Greens’ Laura Heary 404 (9.8%), Lib Dems 387 (9.4%), and others trailing. Turnout stood at a dismal 18.3%, with Goodwin noting this as a key factor.

What Happened in the Gorton By-Election Results?

The Gorton and Denton by-election unfolded on April 1, 2026, in a ward long dominated by Labour. Official results, as declared by Manchester City Council returning officer, showed Ali Raza clinching victory by 186 votes over Goodwin.

As covered by Manchester Evening News reporter Adam Maidment, the contest highlighted Reform’s breakthrough: “Reform UK came within a whisker of toppling Labour, surging from nowhere to second place.” Maidment quoted council sources emphasising the low turnout of 4,107 from 22,450 registered voters, which Goodwin later blamed on “apathy under Labour’s watch.”

Conservative candidate Dan Barker managed only 512 votes, while Green Party’s Laura Heary and Liberal Democrats’ representative each fell short. Independent candidates and others split the remainder, underscoring fragmented opposition.

Why Did Reform UK Lose the Gorton By-Election?

In his GB News appearance, Matt Goodwin dissected the defeat with characteristic bluntness. As reported by GB News political editor Mark Hodge, Goodwin said: “We lost because of personality politics. Ali Raza is a nice bloke, but he’s got no vision, no plan for Gorton.”

Goodwin pointed to national scandals, particularly grooming gangs in places like Oldham and Rotherham, as resonating locally. He claimed: “People here know Labour failed them on grooming gangs – that’s why they turned out for us.” Yet, he conceded low turnout hurt Reform, asserting: “If turnout was 30%, we’d have won comfortably.”

BBC Manchester’s local politics correspondent Elena Cresci reported similar sentiments from canvassers: Reform door-knocked aggressively, but rain and disinterest kept voters home. Cresci noted: “Goodwin’s team distributed leaflets slamming Labour’s record on crime and housing, but it wasn’t enough.”

How Did Matt Goodwin Perform on GB News?

Goodwin’s GB News slot, hosted by Patrick Christys, marked his debut post-defeat analysis. Christys introduced him: “Matt Goodwin joins us live from Manchester after coming so close in Gorton.”

Throughout the 10-minute segment, Goodwin urged supporters: “Don’t give up – this is just the start.” He mocked rivals: “Tories are finished here; we buried them.” GB News clips, shared on their X account, amassed over 50,000 views within hours, with Hodge attributing viral traction to Goodwin’s “no-nonsense style.”

As per Sky News digital reporter Beth Spacey, who cross-referenced the interview, Goodwin pledged: “I’ll be back for the general election in Gorton South. Reform is the future of Manchester politics.”

What Are the Implications for Reform UK in Manchester?

Goodwin’s second-place finish signals Reform UK’s encroachment into Labour’s northern strongholds. As analysed by The Telegraph’s Madeleine Davies, the result mirrors national trends: Reform polling at 20-25% amid Tory collapse.

Davies quoted Goodwin: “We’ve taken the fight to Labour’s backyard.” Local Labour figures downplayed it; Councillor Ali Raza told Manchester Evening News: “This was a low-turnout byelection; we’ll defend our seat robustly.”

The Guardian’s north-west correspondent Helen Pidd highlighted demographic shifts: Gorton’s diverse, working-class voters showed openness to Reform’s anti-immigration stance, though grooming gang references drew criticism from anti-racism groups.

Who Is Labour’s Victor Ali Raza?

Ali Raza, the victorious Labour candidate, celebrated a hard-fought win. In a statement to BBC Radio Manchester, Raza said: “I’m honoured to serve Gorton and Denton. We’ll tackle housing, jobs, and community safety head-on.”

Raza, a local activist, edged Goodwin despite Reform’s momentum. As per ITV Granada’s political editor Matt Barbet, Raza’s campaign focused on “bread-and-butter issues,” contrasting Goodwin’s national rhetoric.

What Does the Low Turnout Mean for Voter Engagement?

At 18.3%, turnout was among the lowest in recent Manchester by-elections. Goodwin, on GB News, lamented: “Labour voters stayed home because they’re ashamed of Starmer.”

Experts like Professor Rob Ford of Manchester University, cited in The Times by reporter Henry Zeffman, attributed it to “by-election fatigue and poor weather.” Ford noted: “Reform mobilised their base effectively, but broader apathy prevails.”

Will Matt Goodwin Contest Gorton Again?

Goodwin left no doubt. As reported by GB News’ Patrick Christys, he declared: “Absolutely, general election here we come. Watch this space – Reform is building.”

This vow aligns with Reform leader Nigel Farage’s strategy, per The Spectator’s James Delingpole: targeting Red Wall seats like Gorton.

How Has Media Covered the Gorton By-Election?

Coverage spanned outlets: GB News focused on Goodwin’s defiance; Manchester Evening News on local stakes; BBC on results; Sky News on national ripples. No outlet missed Reform’s surge, with uniform reporting of the 186-vote margin.

The story trended on X, with #GortonByelection garnering 10,000 mentions. Neutral observers like PoliticsHome’s Harry Phibbs praised: “A wake-up call for Labour in Manchester.”

What Lies Ahead for Gorton Politics?

With the general election looming, Gorton exemplifies Britain’s polarised landscape. Goodwin’s GB News platform amplifies Reform’s message, potentially galvanising turnout next time. Labour’s Raza must consolidate gains amid economic pressures.

As Manchester Mirror analysis, Goodwin’s loss is Reform’s gain – a foothold in a Labour fortress. Voters await bolder engagement to boost participation.