Starmer Attack on Reform’s Pick Shows His Future on the Line (2)

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.

The PM is under intense pressure to secure a Labour victory in Gorton and Denton, an area near Manchester in northwest ...