In a growing political storm, Labour is urging Matt Goodwin, the Reform UK candidate in the Gorton and Denton byelection, to disavow recent allegations of racism and far-right affiliations within his campaign team. The party’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell MP, has formally called upon Goodwin to clarify his stance against the “racist content” disseminated by members of his team, following a disturbing investigation that has raised serious questions about the integrity of his candidacy.
Allegations of Racism within Reform’s Ranks
A revealing report from the Manchester Mill identified five members of Goodwin’s campaign who have allegedly shared racist content online and expressed support for extremist groups. This investigation has intensified scrutiny on Goodwin as he vies to become Reform UK’s ninth MP in a constituency where Labour currently holds a majority of 13,000 votes.
Among the more shocking findings is the behaviour of Adam Mitula, Goodwin’s interim campaign manager in Tameside. The report details Mitula’s inflammatory online statements, including a grotesque claim that “60-70%” of transgender individuals are paedophiles, alongside derogatory remarks about Jewish women and the use of racially charged language. Furthermore, Mitula has made assertions suggesting the existence of “Muslim no-go ghettos” in the UK, which echo far-right rhetoric that has been widely discredited.
Ties to Far-Right Influences
The report also highlights another campaign associate, Kelly Cooling, who reportedly showed support for the far-right group Britain First. Alanna Vine, another individual spotted campaigning with Goodwin, had previously faced suspension from the Conservative Party due to discriminatory social media posts targeting the Islamic faith.
Goodwin’s campaign has been further complicated by his own controversial statements. Footage from 2024 resurfaced recently, in which he called for a “biological reality” check for young girls and women, drawing parallels to the dystopian themes of Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale.” Such comments have led to increased criticism from political opponents who view them as indicative of a troubling agenda.
Labour’s Call to Action
In her letter to Goodwin, Powell argued that while he may not have initially been aware of the views held by some of his campaign supporters, he can no longer afford to remain passive. “You can ensure that they are not part of your campaign in the future,” Powell wrote, insisting he must publicly reject their “vile views” to demonstrate that racism and conspiratorial thinking have no place in Reform UK.
The implications of Goodwin’s response to this pressure could significantly impact his campaign’s viability. If he fails to distance himself from these associates and their views, observers may conclude that he and Reform UK are complicit in endorsing such ideologies.
The Broader Political Context
As the political landscape in Manchester heats up with the impending byelection, the scrutiny on Goodwin reflects broader concerns about the rise of far-right sentiment within British politics. Reform UK, which has positioned itself as a significant challenger to Labour in key constituencies, now faces a perilous crossroads. The party’s ability to distance itself from extremist elements will be crucial if it hopes to gain legitimacy among a wider electorate.
Why it Matters
The unfolding controversy surrounding Matt Goodwin serves as a critical reminder of the fragility of democratic values in an age where far-right ideologies are gaining traction. As political parties grapple with their identities in the face of rising extremism, the actions taken by leaders like Goodwin will not only shape their own political futures but also influence the broader discourse on tolerance and inclusivity within British society. The Gorton and Denton byelection could become a pivotal moment in determining whether voters will accept or reject the toxic undercurrents that threaten to undermine democratic principles in the UK.
