Nigel Farage faces criticism from his own party member in the Gorton and Denton by-election, with Reform UK candidate Matt Goodwin stating that support for Farage as Prime Minister would quickly diminish due to his divisive nature. Goodwin further expressed doubts about Farage’s ability to address Britain’s challenges and criticized the Reform party’s solutions.
In addition, Goodwin raised concerns about Farage’s economic policies, labeling them as “traditional Thatcherite” and likely to alienate voters, drawing parallels to Liz Truss’s unpopular leadership. Labour MP Andrew Western accused Goodwin of aligning with Farage despite acknowledging his shortcomings, warning of potential community division if they collaborate.
The only candidate positioned to promote unity and counter extreme politics in Manchester, according to Western, is Labour’s Angeliki Stogia. Goodwin, who previously sparked controversy by questioning British identity, is set to face off against Stogia in the upcoming by-election following the resignation of suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne.
Stogia, selected as Labour’s candidate after internal party conflicts, echoed Goodwin’s sentiments by criticizing the Reform party’s lack of solutions and divisive politics. She emphasized the importance of not reverting to outdated practices and rejected the divisive approach advocated by Reform.
