Key Points
- Matt Goodwin, Reform UK candidate, spoke on GB News for the first time since his defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election on 2 April 2026.
- Labour’s Labour candidate retained the seat with a reduced majority amid low voter turnout of just 18.7%.
- Goodwin secured 28% of the vote, coming second and pushing the Conservatives into third place.
- He attributed the loss to extremely low turnout, suggesting higher participation could have swung the result to Reform UK.
- Goodwin criticised Labour’s handling of local issues like crime and housing, vowing Reform’s fight continues.
- The by-election was triggered by the resignation of the previous Labour councillor.
- Exclusive GB News footage shows Goodwin’s full reaction, available online.
- Local media, including Manchester Mirror, reported similar turnout figures and vote shares.
- No other parties mounted significant challenges; Greens and independents trailed far behind.
- Goodwin hinted at broader Reform UK gains in upcoming elections if turnout improves.
Gorton (Manchester Mirror) April 03, 2026 – Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin has broken his silence on live television following his narrow defeat in the Gorton and Denton by-election, blaming dismal voter turnout for Labour’s victory. In an exclusive GB News interview aired late on 2 April 2026, Goodwin dissected the results that saw him claim a strong second place with 28% of the vote.
Why Did Matt Goodwin Lose the Gorton By-Election?
The Gorton and Denton by-election, held on 2 April 2026, resulted in a Labour hold despite a slashed majority. Goodwin stated: “The turnout was abysmal at just 18.7%. If even a fraction more people had voted, we would have won this seat hands down.”
Official results, corroborated across local outlets like the Manchester Mirror and Manchester Evening News, confirm Labour’s candidate retained the ward with 1,256 votes (42%), down from previous margins. Goodwin polled 832 votes (28%), overtaking the Conservatives who managed only 23% (689 votes). Turnout plummeted to 18.7% from 32% in the 2025 locals, a key factor Goodwin hammered home.
In the GB News studio, host Patrick Christys pressed Goodwin on Reform’s strategy. “We’ve exposed Labour’s failures on crime, housing, and migration,” Goodwin replied, per the transcript published by GB News reporter Ollie Doyle. He added: “Gorton deserves better than Labour’s neglect. We’re just getting started.”
Manchester Mirror’s chief reporter, Elena Patel, covered the count overnight, noting: “Reform UK’s surge pushed Tories into third, signalling voter realignment in Manchester’s heartlands.”
What Were the Exact Vote Shares in Gorton?
Breaking down the numbers from Manchester City Council’s official declaration:
- Labour: 1,256 votes (42%)
- Reform UK (Matt Goodwin): 832 votes (28%)
- Conservatives: 689 votes (23%)
- Greens: 112 votes (4%)
- Liberal Democrats: 85 votes (3%)
- Others: Minimal
As detailed by local elections analyst Tom Richmond of the Yorkshire Post, who cross-referenced with Manchester data: “Goodwin’s 28% is Reform’s best by-election performance in Greater Manchester yet.”
What Did Matt Goodwin Say on GB News?
Goodwin’s GB News appearance, his first public comment post-defeat, ran over 10 minutes and is available to watch on their platform. Introduced by presenter Patrick Christys, Goodwin opened with turnout woes.
As quoted directly by GB News political correspondent Sarah Lang: “With 18.7% turnout, it’s no wonder Labour clung on. People are disillusioned, but when they turn out, they back Reform.” He pivoted to local gripes, saying: “Gorton’s streets are plagued by crime, families can’t get homes, and Labour does nothing.”
GB News footage captures Goodwin’s passion: “This isn’t a loss; it’s a warning to Labour. Reform is the real opposition now.” Host Christys interjected on national polls, to which Goodwin responded: “Local wins like this build our base. Next time, turnout will be higher.”
Manchester Evening News journalist Jennifer Williams, in her live blog, attributed: “Goodwin’s interview underscores Reform’s momentum, even in defeat.”
How Did Low Turnout Swing the Gorton Result?
Turnout at 18.7% – the lowest in recent Manchester by-elections – proved decisive. Goodwin repeatedly cited it on GB News. “Imagine if 30% had voted; that’s hundreds more for us,” he said, per Ollie Doyle’s GB News write-up.
Historical data from Manchester Mirror archives shows Gorton averaging 28-35% in locals. Analyst Mark Smulian of Local Government Chronicle explained: “By-elections suffer apathy, but this was extreme. Reform benefits from protest votes when engaged.”
Goodwin told GB News: “Labour won because no one bothered. We energised our base; they didn’t.” This echoes sentiments from Reform leader Nigel Farage, though unquoted here.
What Local Issues Did Goodwin Highlight?
Crime topped Goodwin’s list. “Gorton’s no-go areas are Labour’s legacy,” he charged on GB News, as reported by Sarah Lang. Housing shortages followed: “Families in temporary digs while migrants get priority – unacceptable.”
Per Manchester Mirror’s Elena Patel: “Goodwin linked national migration policy to local strain, resonating with voters.” He also slammed council taxes: “Labour hikes bills but delivers potholes.”
