Labour Attacks Reform Candidate Over Tommy Robinson Backing

Published: 31 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Labour has accused the Reform UK candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection of embodying what it calls toxic politics. The attack follows an online endorsement from the far-right activist Tommy Robinson, a figure long associated with anti-Islam campaigning and extremist rhetoric in Britain.

The intervention has intensified political tensions ahead of the 26 February vote in Greater Manchester. Labour figures argue the endorsement exposes the ideological direction of Reform UK, despite efforts by its leader Nigel Farage to distance the party from Robinson.

Robinson posted a brief message on social media urging his large following to support Reform’s candidate, Matthew Goodwin. The post was widely shared and quickly seized upon by Labour campaigners seeking to draw a sharp dividing line between the parties.

Labour said the endorsement demonstrated that Reform’s claims of moderation were not credible. Party officials argued that Robinson’s backing revealed an alignment with divisive ideas that risk deepening social fractures within the community.

A Labour campaign spokesperson said the stakes of the byelection were unusually high. They claimed voters faced a clear choice between unity and stability or what they described as division and political risk.

The party is presenting itself as the only realistic challenger capable of defeating Reform in the constituency. Labour has also used the moment to appeal to progressive voters who may be considering supporting smaller parties.

Reform UK moved quickly to reject Robinson’s intervention. A party spokesperson said Robinson was not welcome and insisted he had no association with the organisation. They stressed that endorsements from external figures did not reflect party policy.

Despite that response, Labour has continued to press the issue. Campaigners argue that far-right support does not emerge in a vacuum and reflects deeper ideological sympathy.

The situation is particularly awkward for Nigel Farage, who has spent years attempting to keep distance between his political projects and Robinson. Farage previously quit Ukip when Robinson was appointed as an adviser under a different leadership.

Political analysts say the endorsement risks undermining Reform’s efforts to broaden its appeal. The party has sought to position itself as a populist alternative rather than a vehicle for extremist views. Matthew Goodwin, the Reform candidate, is already a controversial figure. A former academic, he now works as a presenter on GB News and is known for outspoken views on identity and immigration.

Goodwin has previously questioned whether some UK-born citizens from minority ethnic backgrounds should automatically be considered British. Those comments have drawn criticism from across the political spectrum. When asked recently whether he still held those views, Goodwin declined to give a clear answer. He told an audience that citizenship involved more than legal documentation alone.

Labour has seized on those remarks as further evidence of what it calls exclusionary politics. Campaigners argue such views undermine social cohesion in a diverse city like Manchester.The Greens have also entered the race, unveiling their candidate and challenging Labour’s claim to be the main opposition. Green representatives argue that dissatisfaction with Labour creates space for an alternative progressive choice.

They point to Labour’s national polling difficulties and its decision not to field Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham in the seat. According to the Greens, this weakens Labour’s local appeal. Labour rejects that assessment and says momentum is firmly on its side. An internal memo prepared for senior party figures suggests early campaigning has produced encouraging signs.

The memo claims door-knocking has revealed strong support for Labour among undecided voters. It also suggests the Green party is failing to gain significant traction locally.

Labour organisers say volunteer mobilisation has been faster than in recent byelections. They describe the campaign start as exceptionally strong and well coordinated.

The party hopes to convert that early energy into a decisive result on polling day. Strategists believe framing the contest as a battle against extremism could energise turnout. Tommy Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, remains a polarising presence in British politics. He first gained attention as the founder of the English Defence League.

The group organised street protests focused on opposition to Islam and immigration. Robinson later became associated with broader far-right movements in the UK and abroad. He has a criminal record that includes convictions for assault, mortgage fraud, and passport offences. These convictions have reinforced his notoriety and public controversy.

Robinson’s profile has grown since his social media accounts were reinstated. He now presents himself as a journalist and activist, though critics dispute that characterisation.

Much of his online content focuses on immigration and Muslim communities. Campaign groups argue his messaging contributes to hostility and misinformation. His reach has expanded beyond the UK, particularly in the United States. Supporters view him as a free speech campaigner, while critics see an extremist agitator.

Last year, Robinson organised a large protest in London that drew tens of thousands of participants. The event highlighted his continued ability to mobilise supporters.

For Labour, Robinson’s endorsement represents a strategic opportunity. By linking Reform to far-right activism, the party hopes to consolidate centre-left and moderate voters. Labour figures argue that silence or ambiguity on such endorsements is not acceptable. They say political leaders must take responsibility for the company they keep.

Reform counters that it cannot control who supports its candidates online. Party officials insist their platform does not align with Robinson’s views.

However, critics argue that the absence of robust condemnation leaves room for interpretation. They say voters will judge parties by patterns rather than statements. The byelection has therefore become a symbolic contest over values as much as policy. Issues of identity, inclusion, and democratic norms are now central themes.

Local community leaders have urged calm and respectful debate. They warn that inflammatory rhetoric risks deepening divisions within the constituency.

Voters in Gorton and Denton face a crowded political landscape. The outcome may offer clues about the future direction of opposition politics in England. National parties are watching closely for signs of shifting allegiances. The result could influence campaign strategies ahead of future elections.

As the campaign enters its final weeks, rhetoric is expected to intensify. Endorsements, controversies, and turnout efforts will shape the final outcome. For many residents, everyday concerns remain paramount. Housing, jobs, and public services still dominate doorstep conversations. Yet the shadow of national politics looms large over the contest. The debate over extremism and political responsibility shows no sign of fading.

Whether Robinson’s intervention proves decisive remains uncertain. What is clear is that it has reframed the narrative of the byelection. The vote will test whether association, even indirect, carries electoral consequences. It will also measure public appetite for protest politics in a diverse urban seat. As polling day approaches, parties are sharpening their messages. Voters will ultimately decide which vision they trust to represent them.