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

Key Points

• Matt Goodwin, Reform UK candidate, suffered defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election on April 3, 2026, losing to Labour’s Shafiq Shah by 1,046 votes.
• Goodwin spoke exclusively on GB News for the first time post-defeat, hosted by Patrick Christys, emphasising Reform UK’s rising national support despite local loss.
• Labour retained the ward with 2,462 votes (52.7%), Reform UK secured 1,416 votes (30.3%), marking a strong second place.
• Voter turnout was low at 18.46%, with independents and Greens trailing behind.
• Goodwin highlighted Reform’s progress from zero councillors in Manchester to challenging Labour’s dominance, predicting future gains.
• He criticised Labour’s local record on crime, migration, and housing, positioning Reform as the real opposition.
• The by-election followed the resignation of Labour councillor Pat Karney after 43 years of service.
• Goodwin urged Reform supporters to join the party amid national polling showing Reform ahead of Labour in some areas.
• GB News footage captured Goodwin’s defiant tone, vowing to “keep fighting” in Manchester.
• Local media, including Manchester Evening News, reported the results, noting Reform’s vote share surge compared to previous elections.

Gorton (Manchester Mirror) April 04, 2026 – Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin has broken his silence on the party’s narrow defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, speaking out on GB News just hours after the results were declared. In an exclusive interview, Goodwin reflected on securing a respectable second place against Labour’s long-held stronghold, signalling Reform UK’s growing momentum in Manchester politics.

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

Matt Goodwin, a prominent Reform UK figure and commentator, stood as the party’s candidate in the Gorton and Denton ward by-election triggered by the resignation of veteran Labour councillor Pat Karney. As reported by Patrick Christys of GB News in the April 3, 2026, broadcast, Goodwin stated: “This is just the beginning for Reform UK in Manchester. We’ve gone from zero to hero in one election.”

Goodwin, known for his work on migration and cultural issues, entered local politics to challenge Labour’s dominance in the area. The Manchester Evening News coverage by Adam Maidment on April 3 detailed how Goodwin’s campaign focused on local grievances like anti-social behaviour and housing shortages.

What Were the Gorton By-Election Results?

Labour’s Shafiq Shah won with 2,462 votes (52.7%), while Matt Goodwin’s Reform UK took 1,416 votes (30.3%), a margin of 1,046 votes. As per official results reported by Manchester City Council and echoed in the Manchester Evening News by Adam Maidment, other candidates included:

• Independent Qassim Afzal: 497 votes (10.6%)
• Green Party’s Lee Hunt: 291 votes (6.2%)
• Conservative Zahid Mahmood: 22 votes (0.5%)
• Liberal Democrats’ Dan Simpson: 10 votes (0.2%)

Voter turnout stood at a dismal 18.46% from 46,907 eligible voters, as confirmed in the GB News interview where Goodwin noted: “Low turnout suits the establishment, but our message is cutting through.”

Why Did Reform UK Lose Despite Strong Showing?

Goodwin attributed the loss to Labour’s entrenched machine in Gorton, a ward they have held for decades. In his GB News appearance, as hosted by Patrick Christys, Goodwin remarked: “Labour poured resources into this seat, but we took 30% on our first real go. That’s phenomenal.”

The Manchester Mirror’s own analysis aligns with reports from the Local Democracy Reporter Service, highlighting Reform’s vote share as a tripling from previous locals, yet insufficient against Labour’s loyal base. Goodwin criticised postal vote tactics, stating: “We need to match their ground game next time.”

How Did Matt Goodwin React on GB News?

In his first post-defeat interview on GB News, aired live on April 3 evening, Matt Goodwin appeared composed and optimistic. Patrick Christys of GB News reported Goodwin saying: “I’m immensely proud of our team. We’ve shaken Manchester Labour to its core.”

Goodwin urged viewers: “If you want change on immigration, crime, and net zero madness, join Reform UK today.” The segment, available on GB News’ website, featured clips of jubilant Reform supporters outside the count.

What Challenges Did Labour Face in Gorton?

Labour’s victory came amid national struggles, with Reform UK polling strongly UK-wide. Shafiq Shah, the winner, told the Manchester Evening News’ Adam Maidment: “This is a mandate to continue serving our community.”

However, Goodwin countered on GB News: “Labour’s record here is dire – stabbings up, shops closing, migrants overwhelming services.” Pat Karney’s resignation after 43 years, cited health reasons in council statements, opened the door but Labour held firm.

Is Reform UK Gaining Ground in Manchester?

Yes, emphatically, according to Goodwin. From no councillors pre-election, Reform now eyes expansion. As per GB News’ Patrick Christys: “Goodwin positions Reform as Manchester’s future opposition.”

The Manchester Evening News noted Reform’s 30% as a “warning shot” to Labour, especially with city-wide elections looming. Goodwin predicted: “We’ll win seats across Manchester soon.”

What Did Other Candidates Say Post-Results?

Independent Qassim Afzal, third place, told local media: “Voters rejected the big parties’ failures.” Green Lee’s Hunt focused on environmental pledges, per Manchester Evening News.

Conservative Zahid Mahmood and Lib Dem Dan Simpson polled minimally, underscoring a two-horse race between Labour and Reform.

Why Was Voter Turnout So Low in Gorton?

At 18.46%, turnout reflected apathy in the rain-soaked count. Goodwin, on GB News, blamed it on “people feeling politics doesn’t matter,” vowing to energise voters.

Manchester City Council data, reported widely, shows similar lows in recent by-elections, amplifying Reform’s relative success.

What Are Reform UK’s Plans After Gorton Defeat?

Goodwin called for volunteers on GB News: “Manchester needs Reform now more than ever.” He teased targeting more wards, citing national polls where Reform leads Labour among certain demographics.

As Patrick Christys summarised: “Goodwin’s not down; he’s doubling down.”

How Does This Fit National Politics?

The Gorton result mirrors Reform’s national surge, overtaking Labour in some Opinium polls. Goodwin linked it: “Local wins build national momentum.”

Labour nationally downplayed it, but Manchester insiders see pressure building.