Matt Goodwin, a British political commentator, former academic and presenter, is contesting the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by-election as Reform UK’s candidate, framing the race as a referendum on the leadership of Sir Keir Starmer.

His candidacy, confirmed on January 27, comes after the resignation of Labour’s Andrew Gwynne for health reasons, triggering a seat long held by Labour and now seen as a three-way contest between Labour, Reform UK and the Greens.

Goodwin has called on local voters to use the by-election to register discontent with the Westminster establishment and to “make political history” by shifting support away from what he describes as the status quo.

Goodwin’s presence on the campaign trail has been notable for its polarising tone and unconventional visibility.

While he has spent extended periods canvassing in Denton and speaking to residents, his campaign has also been marked by high-profile absences from local hustings, including a February 10 event organised by a community group where he cited concerns over the impartiality of the forum as his reason for withdrawing.

Opponents seized on his non-attendance to assert that he is avoiding direct engagement with local electorates.

The candidate’s policy positions and past public comments have stirred vigorous debate across the constituency.

Goodwin has articulated Reform UK’s hardline stance on immigration, law and order, and economic pressures, and has previously suggested controversial tax changes and social measures, including differential tax treatment related to parenthood and assertions about cultural identity that have attracted criticism from opponents.

National figures within Labour and the Green Party have highlighted these remarks while positioning their own platforms on community investment, public services and environmental policy.

Internal party dynamics illustrate a broader effort by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage to broaden the party’s appeal, even as Goodwin’s own positions diverge from some elements of that strategy.

At an earlier event in Brussels, Goodwin signalled a tougher approach to public sector trade unions than some within his party have espoused.

Meanwhile, allegations from a past workplace incident at a broadcast network, which Goodwin and his team characterise as politically motivated attacks, have been raised and rebutted amid the election campaign.

As polling day approaches on February 26, Goodwin’s campaign continues to generate intense local and national interest.

Reform UK’s strategy in Gorton and Denton typifies a broader challenge to Labour in traditionally secure constituencies, with significant implications for the party’s future direction and for perceptions of political momentum outside the mainstream.

The seat’s outcome will be closely watched as an indicator of Reform UK’s electoral appeal and as a litmus test of public sentiment toward the Conservative-leaning challenge to Labour’s dominance in the region, even as engagement tactics and public responses remain sharply divided across the electorate.