Matt Goodwin unveiled as Reform UK candidate for Gorton and Denton by-election

Reform UK has unveiled Matt Goodwin as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in Gorton and Denton, as political parties begin preparations for the highly-anticipated contest.

The party’s announcement comes one day after Nigel Farage claimed his party’s chances are “considerably better” as a result of Labour’s decision to block Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing for the north-west seat.

Speaking at a party press conference in the constituency, Mr Goodwin said: “This by-election is a referendum on Keir Starmer.

“It’s a chance for the hardworking law abiding tax paying people from this seat to have their say on Keir Starmer and to make political history.”

The election is expected to take place on February 26, after former MP Andrew Gwynne stood down for health reasons last week.

The right-wing activist sparked criticism when he was made the the honorary president of the new Students4Reform organisation last year after he suggested people from minority ethnic backgrounds are not necessarily British even if born in the UK.

More follows on this breaking news story…