Tommy Robinson has publicly thrown his support behind Reform UK’s candidate ahead of next month’s pivotal Gorton and Denton by-election.
The far-right agitator urged his social media followers in the Greater Manchester constituency to back Matt Goodwin, a former academic who later became a right-wing GB News presenter. Reform UK officially announced Goodwin as its candidate earlier this week.
Vote for Matt https://t.co/Dbl3RloLgd
— Tommy Robinson 🇬🇧 (@TRobinsonNewEra) January 30, 2026
The endorsement comes despite a long-standing rift between Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Robinson, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
Farage previously said he would never allow Robinson to join the party, highlighting tensions that continue to shadow the campaign.
Labour Attacks Reform UK Over Tommy Robinson Endorsement
Labour has seized on the endorsement, warning voters of what it says are the wider implications for the constituency.
A Labour campaign spokesperson said: “The stakes couldn’t be higher in Gorton and Denton. Tommy Robinson’s endorsement of Reform’s candidate shows who he really is and what he stands for.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Liz Truss Questions Why Royal Navy Refuses ‘Illegal’ Orders On Channel Migrant Boats
“The Greens simply cannot win this by-election, leaving a stark choice between unity and change with Labour, or division and risk with Reform.
“Only a vote for Labour can stop the toxic politics that Reform and Tommy Robinson would bring to Manchester.”
Green Party Frames By-Election as ‘Hope Versus Hate’
The Green Party has also weighed in, describing the contest as a defining moment for voters.
Green candidate Hannah Spencer, a 34-year-old plumber and local councillor, 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.”
She claimed Labour support in the area “is in freefall” and added: “Reform have chosen a candidate that will divide our community. He doesn’t even think many of the people who live and work here are even British.
“I will bring the people of Gorton and Denton together.”
Why the Gorton and Denton By-Election Matters
The by-election will take place on February 26 and was triggered by the resignation of Labour MP Andrew Gwynne on health grounds.
Gwynne retained the seat for Labour at the last general election with a majority of nearly 13,500, making the contest a key test for all major parties.
