Politics Weekly UK

Matt Goodwin becomes Reform UK candidate, and Esther Ghey on banning social media

Jan 28, 2026
Esther Ghey, campaigner and mother of murdered teen Brianna Ghey, pushes for an under-16 social media ban after her daughter’s online harms. She recounts Brianna’s exposure to harmful influencers, phone dependency and school disruption. Esther describes campaigning for Australia-style restrictions and urges MPs to act while offering parental advice on delaying smartphones.
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INSIGHT

Academic Turned Provocative Campaigner

  • Matthew Goodwin moved from academic analysis to active campaigning and now promotes identity and migration issues.
  • His candidacy tests whether that messaging can cut through in a diverse Manchester constituency.
INSIGHT

Campaign Risks Deepening Local Divisions

  • Reform UK plans to amplify tensions by emphasising immigration and demographic arguments in Gorton and Denton.
  • Hosts fear the campaign could make the local atmosphere ugly and increase community strain.
INSIGHT

Split Left Vote Could Help Reform Or Greens

  • The by-election dynamic could split centre-left votes, boosting the Greens if Labour falters.
  • Voter defections and local anger over recent Labour controversies make the seat volatile.
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