Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin says by-election is “a chance to send a shock to the system”

Reform UK has selected broadcaster and political commentator Matt Goodwin as its candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February.

His candidacy was announced at the party’s conference where Lee Anderson introduced him to supporters. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the contest as “a referendum on Keir Starmer”.

The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne earlier this month.

Goodwin, who studied at the University of Salford and has family roots in Greater Manchester, said Manchester, “gave me my start in life” and that he wants to “give something back”. During his student years, he worked delivering takeaway food in the Gorton and Denton area.

In an interview with the Tameside Reporter, he addressed residents’ concerns about housing and antisocial behaviour.

HMOs and housing transparency

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) were one of the most frequently raised issues by readers on the Tameside Reporter Facebook page.

Goodwin said he believes the scale of HMO use in Denton is higher than official figures suggest and argued that residents are “not being told the full truth” about local housing pressures.

“The first thing I would do is expose the scale of what is really happening and apply pressure on the council and local bodies,” he said.

He linked the issue to national immigration policy, reiterating Reform UK’s position that social housing should be prioritised for British citizens and that the UK should leave the European Convention on Human Rights and repeal the Human Rights Act. He acknowledged that such changes would require a Reform government but said a single MP could use Parliament as a platform to raise concerns and press for change.

Goodwin argued that public spending on asylum accommodation should instead be directed towards local services, including policing, schools and healthcare. “It’s about fairness,” he said. “People want to know the system is fair.”

Antisocial behaviour and policing

Concerns about antisocial behaviour, particularly around shopping areas such as Crown Point, were also raised.

Goodwin said he had encountered similar concerns while canvassing, describing streets with poor lighting and groups of young people gathering in the evenings.

“There’s no silver bullet,” he said, acknowledging that a lack of youth facilities contributes to the problem. He suggested investment in sports courts and community spaces could help provide alternatives for young people.

However, he also called for what he described as a “zero tolerance approach” to persistent antisocial behaviour. He said he would press for more visible frontline policing, stronger action on knife crime and greater use of stop and search powers.

“If we can’t fix the visible signs of decay, the problems will grow,” he said, arguing that residents, particularly elderly people, should not feel intimidated in their own neighbourhoods.

Living locally

Goodwin said he has lived in Manchester for a decade in the past and has pledged to live in the constituency if elected.

“My promise is that if I’m elected as the Member of Parliament, I will live here among the people of Gorton and Denton,” he said. He rejected suggestions that he lacks local knowledge, pointing to his family’s roots in Salford and his previous work and study in the city.

“Put Gorton and Denton first”

Asked why voters should back him, Goodwin framed the by-election as an opportunity to challenge Labour’s long-standing dominance in the seat.

“This area has had Labour MPs for generations,” he said. “It’s never had the chance to send a shock to the system.”

He said his campaign is focused on representing what he calls the “hardworking majority”, supporting small businesses and tackling crime, as well as addressing border policy and public spending.

“Vote Reform UK, get Keir Starmer out, put Gorton and Denton first,” he said. “If people want a strong local champion who will stand up in Parliament and make sure this area is heard, that’s what I’m offering.”

Voters will decide on 26 February who will represent the constituency at Westminster following Mr Gwynne’s departure.