Labour has urged Reform UK’s by-election candidate Matt Goodwin to distance himself from members of his campaign team accused of sharing racist content online.
Goodwin is seeking to become Reform’s ninth MP in the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election on 26 February. The contest is shaping up as a three-way battle between Reform, Labour and the Greens.
An investigation by Manchester outlet The Mill reported that several individuals supporting Goodwin’s campaign had previously posted extreme and offensive material on social media.
Racism Allegations Rock Gorton and Denton By-Election Campaign
According to The Mill, Adam Mitula – described as Reform’s interim campaign manager in Tameside – allegedly claimed “60-70%” of transgender people are paedophiles, said he would “never touch a Jewish woman” and used a racial slur.
In a separate post, he reportedly downplayed the Holocaust, writing: “6 million polish [sic] people including some Jews. They always use Poles to make up the number. And on top of it they claim Poles were killing. Just sick.”
The report further alleged that three other figures campaigning alongside Goodwin – Kelly Cooling, Alanna Vine and Jacqui Harris – had also shared extreme content online.
Labour’s deputy leader and Manchester Central MP Lucy Powell wrote directly to Goodwin, calling on him to reject their involvement.
She said: “You may not have been aware of this when they offered to help your campaign, but you are aware of it now.
“You can ensure that they are not part of your campaign in the future, make clear that you disagree with their vile views and state clearly that racism and conspiracism like this is not welcome in Reform and not compatible with campaigning for you.”
Powell also referenced the endorsement of Goodwin’s campaign by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, adding: “It is not surprising that people with disgusting racist views think that you represent them.”
She warned: “If you do not now distance yourself from the views of these supporters, and take action to remove them from your campaign, people will conclude that you and Reform UK are happy to be associated with them.”
Matt Goodwin Responds on X and References Labour Controversies
The Mill reported it was unable to reach Goodwin for direct comment. However, he responded publicly to Powell on X.
“Hi Lucy I’d reply but your replies are off [clown emoji],” he wrote.
He added: “I reject all extremism.
“Can I also ask: Why has your Labour Party promoted so many people with links to paedophiles and turned a blind eye to the abuse of children? Come back to me when you have your own house in order.”
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Goodwin appeared to reference the controversy involving Peter Mandelson, who was briefly appointed as ambassador to the United States despite his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
He also alluded to Sir Keir Starmer’s appointment of former communications chief Matthew Doyle to the House of Lords earlier this year. Doyle had previously campaigned for an ex-Labour councillor who admitted indecent child image offences in 2017.
Both Mandelson and Doyle no longer have the Labour whip.
The Gorton and Denton by-election is due to take place on 26 February.
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