Reform UK Candidate Faces Backlash Over British Identity Comments
Matthew Goodwin, the newly announced Reform UK candidate for the Gorton and Denton byelection, has sparked significant controversy by refusing to disown previous statements suggesting that UK-born individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds are not necessarily British. The hard-right activist and GB News presenter made his position clear during a press conference in Denton, where he was unveiled as the party's candidate for this diverse south-east Manchester seat.
Controversial Remarks and Political Fallout
Goodwin has previously asserted that people from black, Asian, or other immigrant backgrounds were not always British, stating that "it takes more than a piece of paper to make somebody 'British'." When questioned by the Guardian about whether he stood by these views, Goodwin twice declined to answer directly. The Liberal Democrats have described his comments as "racist" and "abhorrent," adding to the growing political tension surrounding his candidacy.
The demographic context of Gorton and Denton makes these remarks particularly contentious. According to the latest census data:
- 44% of the constituency's population identifies as coming from an ethnic minority background
- 79% of residents identify as British
- More than one in four voters identify as Muslim
Political Context and Campaign Strategy
Reform UK is attempting to overturn Labour's substantial 13,000-vote majority in this traditionally Labour-held seat. The party's strategy appears focused on several key issues:
- Crime and community safety
- Decline of local high streets
- Concerns about houses of multiple occupancy
- Child grooming gangs, particularly referencing nearby Rochdale and Oldham
Lee Anderson, Reform UK's chief whip and former Conservative MP, described Goodwin as a "fearless" activist who would "debate anybody at any time." Anderson joined Goodwin at the Denton bar where the press conference took place, presenting a united front for the party's campaign efforts.
Goodwin's Political Philosophy and Response
When asked about his message to ethnic minority voters in the constituency, Goodwin emphasised economic concerns over identity politics. "My message to everybody in this seat is [that] if you are working hard, paying taxes, contributing to this economy, you should be as concerned by what's happening in No 10 Downing Street as I am," he told reporters.
Goodwin further elaborated: "It's not about what your religion is, it's not about what your race is, what your ethnicity is. It's about whether or not you play by the rules, whether or not you feel that you're being respected, you feel the system is being fair to you ... I don't view it in those divisive terms."
Historical Context and Political Significance
The academic turned political candidate described Reform UK's current position in the polls as "the most significant insurgency since the rise of the Labour party 100 years ago when it replaced the Liberals." He characterised the movement as "a seismic political revolution that we're all living through," highlighting the party's ambitions to disrupt the traditional political landscape.
Goodwin's selection has surprised some political commentators given his outspoken views on British nationality and Islam. Only three weeks before his candidacy announcement, he wrote about Britain's "ruling class" allegedly "silencing" debate about Islam, describing it as "one of the most serious assaults on free speech and free expression Britain has ever seen."
Electoral Challenges and Competition
The Gorton and Denton byelection presents a complex political battlefield. While Reform UK seeks to make significant gains, the Green party is also mounting a strong challenge in a constituency with a significant left-voting population. The seat has historically sent Labour MPs to Westminster for decades, though boundary changes in 2024 have altered the electoral landscape.
As the campaign progresses, Goodwin's controversial statements about British identity are likely to remain a central point of discussion, potentially influencing voter sentiment in this diverse Manchester constituency where questions of identity and belonging resonate deeply with many residents.
