Reform byelection row ignites British identity debate

Published: 28 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

The Reform byelection row erupted in south-east Manchester as a newly selected candidate declined to retreat from contested remarks on British identity. The comments, resurfacing as campaigning began in Gorton and Denton, have sharpened debate about belonging, citizenship, and representation. They also arrive at a sensitive political moment, with parties mobilising voters across a constituency shaped by diversity, long-standing Labour loyalties, and recent boundary changes. Against this backdrop, the Reform byelection row has become a defining test of tone and trust during a fiercely watched contest.

Matthew Goodwin, a hard-right activist and television presenter, was unveiled as Reform UK’s candidate at a press event in Denton. His selection drew immediate scrutiny because of previous statements suggesting that being born in the United Kingdom does not automatically confer Britishness. He had argued that citizenship involves more than paperwork, a position that critics say questions the belonging of UK-born people from minority ethnic backgrounds. When asked directly whether he stood by those views, Goodwin declined to answer, intensifying the Reform byelection row and inviting reactions from across the political spectrum.

The seat of Gorton and Denton is among Greater Manchester’s most demographically varied constituencies. According to the latest census, 44 per cent of residents identify with minority ethnic backgrounds, while 79 per cent identify as British. These figures underline why the controversy has resonated locally, where debates about identity intersect daily life, work, and community relations. Campaigners across parties say language matters profoundly in such places, shaping whether politics feels inclusive or alienating.

At the Denton event, Goodwin posed for photographs alongside Lee Anderson, Reform’s chief whip and a prominent figure within the party. Anderson praised Goodwin as “fearless” and ready to debate anyone, framing the controversy as evidence of forthrightness rather than division. Yet the refusal to disown the remarks kept the Reform byelection row alive, overshadowing attempts to pivot toward policy priorities.

Labour figures moved quickly to condemn the stance. Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, warned that such politics risked driving wedges between Manchester’s communities. She argued that the city’s strength lies in unity and shared pride, not suspicion. Her intervention echoed concerns voiced by local activists, who fear the language could harden lines between neighbours during an already heated campaign.

The Greens, who have built momentum in the area, were even more direct. Party leader Zack Polanski accused Goodwin of a track record of anti-Muslim bigotry, calling his candidacy an insult to constituents. Polanski has characterised the contest as a head-to-head between Reform and the Greens, describing it as a struggle for the country’s moral direction. In rallies, he has framed the Reform byelection row as emblematic of a broader choice about openness and fairness.

Reform UK, meanwhile, is seeking to overturn Labour’s 13,000-vote majority and secure its ninth MP. The party’s confidence has been bolstered by recent defections from senior Conservatives, including a former home secretary. Supporters argue that these moves signal momentum and legitimacy. Critics counter that the influx of establishment figures undermines Reform’s claim to insurgency, a charge frequently aired during campaign exchanges.

Goodwin’s past writing has further fuelled the controversy. Only weeks before his selection, he claimed Britain’s ruling class was suppressing debate about Islam, calling it an assault on free expression. In Gorton and Denton, where more than one in four voters identify as Muslim, such remarks have heightened anxieties about how communities are portrayed. Local leaders stress that free speech debates must be handled carefully, especially during elections.

Asked about his message to minority ethnic voters, Goodwin sought to reframe the discussion. He said his appeal was to everyone who worked hard, paid taxes, and contributed to the economy. He insisted that his politics were not about race or religion but about fairness, respect, and adherence to rules. He criticised the Labour government under Keir Starmer as disconnected from local concerns, arguing that long-held loyalties deserved reassessment. These comments, however, did little to quiet the Reform byelection row, which remained focused on his earlier language.

Anderson outlined Reform’s intended campaign themes, including crime, high street decline, and housing issues. He criticised houses of multiple occupancy, claiming they caused disruption in neighbourhoods. Both men referenced child grooming gangs several times, an issue with painful resonance in nearby areas. Opponents accused Reform of stoking fear rather than proposing constructive solutions, adding another layer to the unfolding Reform byelection row.

Beyond personalities, the contest reflects shifting political currents in Greater Manchester. Boundary changes in 2024 altered the seat’s composition, while national volatility has unsettled traditional voting patterns. The Greens believe these factors create space for a breakthrough. Labour aims to defend its legacy and reassure voters unsettled by rhetoric. Reform seeks to capitalise on frustration and position itself as a disruptive force.

Goodwin himself has described Reform’s polling rise as a historic insurgency, likening it to Labour’s ascent a century ago. Such claims energise supporters but also invite scrutiny. For many voters, the immediate question is less about grand narratives and more about whether candidates understand their lived realities. In that sense, the Reform byelection row has crystallised concerns about representation, respect, and the language politicians choose.

As campaigning intensifies, community groups are urging calm and dialogue. Faith leaders, residents’ associations, and youth organisations have emphasised shared values and practical needs, from jobs to safe streets. They warn that divisive debates risk overshadowing bread-and-butter issues. Whether the controversy fades or deepens may depend on how candidates respond in coming weeks.

Ultimately, the Gorton and Denton byelection has become a microcosm of national debates about identity and belonging. The Reform byelection row has forced parties to articulate where they stand and how they speak. Voters will decide whether firmness reads as honesty or exclusion, and whether unity can be rebuilt amid sharp disagreements. The result will be watched closely, not only in Manchester, but across a country wrestling with its political direction.

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