2026 By Election: GB News Face Becomes Reform Candidate
Reform UK has confirmed that the GB News presenter and political commentator Matt Goodwin will stand as its candidate in the upcoming Gorton and Denton parliamentary by election.
GB News
The contest was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down on health grounds. The vote is expected to take place on 26 February and is already shaping up as a closely watched test of political momentum in Greater Manchester.
The announcement was made at a lunchtime press conference in Denton, introduced by Reform MP Lee Anderson, who described the contest as a major opportunity for the party. Reform has been buoyed by a series of high profile defections from the Conservatives in recent weeks, including Suella Braverman, Robert Jenrick and Andrew Rosindell.
Goodwin told reporters the by election should be seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his government.
“This is a chance for hard working, law abiding and taxpaying people in this seat to send a message,” he said. “Manchester made me, and I want to give people here a real voice in Parliament.”
He cited family ties to the city, saying his grandfather worked in local industry and his mother was employed at the University of Salford, where he later studied. He added that he delivered pizzas in the Gorton and Denton area while he was a student.
Goodwin has built a public profile as a political academic turned broadcaster, writing extensively on populism, Brexit and the rise of UKIP before becoming a regular presenter on GB News. In recent years, he has moved from analysing right wing politics to actively campaigning alongside Reform UK, frequently appearing at party events.
The announcement comes after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham was blocked from standing by Labour’s ruling National Executive Committee. Burnham had hoped to return to Westminster, but Labour argued that his candidacy would have diverted resources and triggered a costly mayoral by-election. Around 50 Labour MPs have since signed a letter urging the party to reconsider.
At the 2024 general election, Labour won Gorton and Denton with a majority of around 13,000 votes. Reform finished second with roughly 5,000 votes, narrowly ahead of the Green Party. The absence of Burnham has been welcomed by Reform figures, who believe it improves their chances in what is now seen as a three way marginal seat.
Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell criticised the choice of Goodwin, saying he represented “the kind of politics that will drive a wedge between communities in Manchester”.
Read More: Labour Crisis: 50 MPs Challenge Decision to Block Burnham
Liberal Democrat spokesperson Lisa Smart accused Reform of parachuting in a headline chasing candidate, while Green Party leader Zack Polanski said the move showed Reform was relying on division rather than local credibility.
Goodwin rejected claims that he was part of what he called the Westminster establishment, insisting he was not a career politician. Asked about local priorities, he pointed to crime, housing standards and struggling high streets, but offered few specific policy proposals.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the party needed candidates with media experience and a willingness to challenge Labour nationally, arguing that Gorton and Denton would be a key battleground in the months ahead.
Other parties, including the Greens and Workers Party of Britain, which is standing Manchester councillor Shabaz Sarwar, are expected to confirm their candidates shortly as campaigning intensifies.
