Starmer Attack on Reform’s Pick Shows His Future on the Line
Matt Goodwin speaks as he is announced as Reform UK candidate for Gorton and Denton, in Denton, on Jan. 27.
Photographer: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images
Keir Starmer stepped up his attacks on Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party ahead of a special election that could decide the prime minister’s political future.
Starmer said Reform’s choice of candidate for the parliamentary by-election — controversial academic turned media personality Matt Goodwin — revealed its “toxic” politics. The right-wing party announced Goodwin’s candidacy on Tuesday, while Labour’s pick remains uncertain after Starmer blocked Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, a key rival, from standing in the seat.