The Muslim Vote (TMV) campaign group has endorsed the Green Party in the closely watched Gorton and Denton by-election, while far-right, anti-Muslim activist Tommy Robinson has publicly backed the Reform UK candidate.
Robinson’s intervention came shortly after Reform confirmed GB News presenter Matthew Goodwin as its candidate. Robinson, a convicted criminal, urged followers to back Goodwin, writing “Vote for Matt” in a post on X.
His backing will prove awkward for Reform leader Nigel Farage, who has sought to broaden the party’s appeal, while the opposition say it highlights Reform’s “politics of poisonous division” and “plastic patriotism.”
A Reform UK spokesperson sought to distance the party from Robinson, saying: “We have consistently been clear on this issue. He isn’t welcome in the party.”
The Green Party selected Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber and local councillor, to contest the seat.
TMV said the Greens were the “only credible option” in Gorton and Denton, arguing the party prioritises local communities over wealthy donors.
“We need a party that centres the interests of local constituents, not one bankrolled by billionaires and millionaires,” TMV said in a post on X.
The by-election will take place on 26 February in the newly created Gorton and Denton constituency, formed after boundary changes in 2024.
The seat is difficult to predict, encompassing areas with stark socio-demographic differences, including predominantly white working-class neighbourhoods alongside districts with large student and Muslim populations.
Census data from 2021 suggests just under 30 per cent of voters in the area identify as Muslim.
From warning of ‘new British fascism’ to Reform candidate: what changed Goodwin?
Goodwin, who was born in Hertfordshire but has family ties to Manchester, was previously regarded as a centre-right academic and had criticised groups such as the English Defence League and Tommy Robinson, and even wrote a book about the rise of a form of “new British fascism.”
Critics say his rhetoric on immigration, identity and Islam echoes positions he once considered incendiary and criticised.
Compared with the Green candidate, pundits say Goodwin lacks local roots. Born in Hertfordshire, with family ties to Manchester, he has been selected by Reform rather than coming through local campaigning.
Labour initially considered Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham as a candidate but the party’s National Executive Committee rejected the proposal.
Instead, Labour selected Manchester councillor Angeliki Stogia.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer pointed to Robinson’s support as emblematic of the contest.
“I see that Tommy Robinson has just come out in support of Matt Goodwin, the Reform candidate. That tells you everything about the politics they intend to inject into this by-election, the politics of poisonous division, so we can see exactly where that’s going,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“So we are the only contender. So it’s Labour versus Reform, and we will fight for renewal, for inclusive communities and bringing people together, and for true patriotism against the plastic patriotism of Reform. But only Labour can beat Reform, and therefore it’s the only way to win this by-election.”
Green candidate Spencer said: “This is a crucial by-election. The choice is clear: Green v Reform. Hope v hate. Only the Green party can stop Reform in this by-election. I want to thank every single member and supporter who has already been out on the doorstep listening to voters.”
Meanwhile, Green Party leader Zack Polanski said: “I’m a Mancunian and know when someone genuinely wants to roll up their sleeves and work for the community. Hannah is that person.”
