Reform UK has unveiled academic Matthew Goodwin as its candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election.
Mr Goodwin, who studied contemporary history at the nearby University of Salford, joined Reform UK MP Lee Anderson for the party’s by-election campaign launch in Greater Manchester.
The 44-year-old is the first major candidate named ahead of polls opening on February 26, joining Shahbaz Sarwar from the Workers Party.
Speaking after being unveiled by Mr Anderson, Mr Goodwin declared the by-election is a “referendum on Keir Starmer”.
“It is a chance for the people of Gorton & Denton to have their say on Keir Starmer and make history,” Reform UK’s candidate added.
“I will stand up for the local people of Gorton & Denton against the broken Westminster establishment.
“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. Gorton and Denton needs Reform.”
Matthew Goodwin will contest the Manchester seat on February 26
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REFORM UK
Mr Goodwin, who serves as honorary president of Students for Reform, has family roots in Manchester, with his grandfather working in a local steel factory and his parents working for the NHS in the city.
Reform UK’s policy chief Zia Yusuf and former Tory MP Jonathan Gullis had been mooted as potential candidates for the imminent by-election.
However, Mr Goodwin was selected instead, with the academic now hoping to become Reform UK’s ninth MP after polls close on February 26.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “The Gorton & Denton by-election is a referendum on Keir Starmer and his hopeless Government.
Lee Anderson has been campaigning in Greater Manchester in recent days
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X/LEE ANDERSON
“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 & Denton, Matt Goodwin.”
A by-election was triggered in Gorton & Denton after ex-Health Minister Andrew Gwynne resigned amid health concerns.
Mr Gwynne, who retained the seat with a majority of 13,413 votes in 2024, left Parliament after being embroiled in a WhatsApp scandal concerning a group chat called “Trigger Me Timbers”.
Sir Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham have exchanged barbs ahead of the Labour Party Conference | PA
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham had his path back to Westminster blocked over the weekend.
The former Leigh MP wrote to Labour’s NEC to confirm his intention to run in the Gorton & Denton by-election.
However, the NEC opted to block his request, with Labour expected to unveil its candidate after holding a hustings and selection meeting on January 31.
The Green Party is expected to announce its candidate later today, with deputy leader Mothin Ali tipped as a potential contender.
Rachel Millward, Zack Polanski and Mothin Ali have slammed the decision to postpone the elections | GETTY
Green Party leader Zack Polanski will be in the constituency later this evening as part of his campaign launch ahead of February 26.
There had been speculation that the Salford-born politician was eyeing up the constituency.
However, Mr Polanski is expected to continue sitting as a London Assembly Member in City Hall.
The Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats are expected to announce their candidates in the coming days.