Matt Goodwin announced as Reform candidate in Gorton and Denton

Tuesday, 27 January 2026 15:31

By Adam Clark

Reform UK has confirmed that political commentator and academic Matt Goodwin will stand for the party in the Gorton and Denton parliamentary by election.

The party said Mr Goodwin has strong personal and family ties to Greater Manchester and described him as a long standing resident of the city earlier in his life.

He was born in Manchester and considers the city his home, having lived there for many years. His family background is rooted in the area, with his grandfather having worked full time in a Manchester steel factory and his grandmother employed by the University of Salford.

Both of Mr Goodwin’s parents worked in the National Health Service in Greater Manchester. His father ran the Greater Manchester Health Authority, while his mother studied in the city before later working for the health board.

He was the first in his family to attend university and studied at the University of Salford. During his studies he worked alongside his degree, including delivering fast food in the Gorton and Denton area.

Mr Goodwin said he wanted to represent local residents and said he would campaign on issues including borders, the National Health Service and crime.

“This by-election is a referendum on Keir Starmer. It is a chance for the people of Gorton and Denton to have their say on Keir Starmer and make history, Goodwin said.

“I will stand up for the local people of Gorton and 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.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage MP said the contest would give local voters a chance to express their views on the Labour government. He said the party believed the by-election should be seen as a judgment on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and current national policies.

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