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

An episode of [Politics Weekly UK](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/136697472), 28 Jan 2026, 38 min.

Audio: https://flex.acast.com/audio.guim.co.uk/2026/01/28-59621-Matt_Goodwin_becomes_Reform_UK_candidate_and_Esther_Ghey_on_banning_social_media.mp3

Reform UK has announced Matt Goodwin as its candidate for the hotly anticipated Gorton and Denton byelection. John Harris and Kiran Stacey discuss his chances. Plus, John speaks to Esther Ghey about why the government should back a social media ban for under-16s. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/politicspod

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