Matt Goodwin's Reform candidacy will collide with political reality as race goes down to the wire - Bill Rammell

And whilst Goodwin’s selection as the Reform UK candidate for the by-election has generated headlines, the idea that he is a “shoo-in” simply doesn’t align with the political realities of the constituency or the dynamics of the contest. The seat’s long-standing voting patterns, the strength of Labour’s local presence, and the broader context of Reform UK’s electoral performance all point to a far more competitive contest than some suggest. Labour’s deep roots in the constituency extend beyond vote totals. And Reform UK’s campaign start has rightly been criticised for a lack of local knowledge and roots, after Lee Anderson appeared to be posting pictures in the “wrong constituency”. Matt Goodwin's Reform turn will collide with political reality as race goes down to the wire - Bill Rammell | Getty Images