Prime Minister Keir Starmer has launched a scathing attack on Reform UK, accusing the party of promoting a politics of "toxic division" following their selection of Matt Goodwin as their candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. The controversy stems from Goodwin's previous remarks questioning whether people from minority ethnic backgrounds born in the UK are necessarily British, which he has refused to disown.
Starmer's Strong Condemnation of Reform's Agenda
Speaking to reporters while en route to China, Starmer emphasised that Labour represents the only viable option to halt Reform's advance in the constituency. He framed the byelection as a clear choice between Labour's values of addressing cost-of-living issues and Reform's divisive tactics. "You can see from their candidate what politics they're going to bring to that constituency: the politics of division, of toxic division, of tearing people apart," Starmer stated firmly.
Goodwin's Controversial Stance on British Identity
Matt Goodwin, a hard-right activist unveiled as Reform's candidate on Tuesday, has faced significant criticism for his views on national identity. He has previously asserted that individuals from black, Asian, or immigrant backgrounds may not always be considered British, even if they were born in the UK. This stance has sparked outrage and accusations of fostering racial and social divisions within the diverse south-east Manchester seat.
Labour's Strategic Positioning Against Reform
Senior Labour figures are urgently positioning the party as the primary "stop Reform" vote, learning from recent electoral experiences. In the Caerphilly byelection, where Plaid Cymru emerged victorious, Labour acknowledged they were too slow to capitalise on tactical voting opportunities. This time, they aim to consolidate anti-Reform support swiftly to prevent a similar outcome.
The Greens' Ambitious Challenge in Gorton and Denton
Complicating the political landscape, the Green Party, which secured third place in the constituency during the general election, is mounting a vigorous campaign to win the byelection. Party officials believe they have a genuine chance of success, particularly after Labour barred Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from applying as their candidate. This decision has created an opening that the Greens are eager to exploit.
Starmer's Discussions with Andy Burnham
Starmer confirmed that he spoke with Andy Burnham on Monday, following a contentious weekend where the prime minister and his allies blocked the mayor from running in the byelection. Officially, Labour cited the cost of a subsequent mayoral byelection as the reason, but insiders suggest the move was also intended to avert a potential leadership challenge from Burnham. Starmer denied that Burnham was warned in advance about his candidacy being rejected, stating, "No, he wasn't. I know who was talking to Andy on Saturday, and that wasn't said."
When asked about Burnham's potential return to Parliament after his mayoral term concludes in May 2028, Starmer praised the mayor's "first-class job" in Manchester but noted that any future political moves would be "a matter for Andy." This delicate handling underscores the ongoing tensions within Labour's ranks as they navigate internal dynamics while confronting external challenges from parties like Reform UK.
