Reform Watch: Matt Goodwin endorsed by Tommy Robinson, plus cynicism in Preston and Dogle failures
Each week we cast our eyes over what Reform have been up to.
The Lead is keeping an eye on Reform UK and their fellow travellers. Get in touch on X, Bluesky and Instagram or email ella@thelead.uk with tips and stories. We especially want to hear from readers whose local council is now run by Farage’s followers.
As stated last week, we’re keeping tabs on the right-wing agitator Matt Goodwin, who is standing as the Reform UK candidate in Gordon and Denton. So we’ll start with some of that:
Last week, Goodwin was endorsed by Tommy Robinson, despite Reform’s insistence on distancing itself from the far-right activist. Labour has accused Reform of “toxic politics” and, in response, Reform said, simply: “We have consistently been clear on this issue. He isn’t welcome in the party.”
Past remarks would suggest that Goodwin, who has suddenly decided to claim Manchester (despite growing up down south) hasn’t always felt so kindly towards the city, with one past social media post suggesting he thinks the city is “arrogant and complacent”.
There are 10 other candidates in the by-election, including Nick Buckley MBE, Advance UK – which some believe could split the Reform vote – Charlotte Anne Cadden (Tory), Jackie Pearcey (Lib Dems) Angeliki Stogia (Labour) and Hannah Spencer (Greens).
Also in today’s edition:
Reform UK’s chief whip at Lancashire County Hall has been accused of using a Preston landmark to ‘cynically increase tensions’ in communities. He posted an AI-generated image of The Harris museum, which has been designated a Museum of Sanctuary, with asylum seekers outside under the header: “Harris Museum as a Migrant Sanctuary?” – The Lancashire Lead has the full story.
Nigel Farage’s two-day trip to Davos cost more than £50,000 after he was given two guest passes by an Iranian-born billionaire. He also accepted £1,100 of luxury hotel accommodation from conference organisers.
In Dolge news (not heard that name for a while) the head of Kent County Council’s cost-cutting programme, Matthew Fraser Moat, has resigned after suggesting the authority had “not made any cuts” nor saved any money in an interview with the Financial Times.