The Press Association has found evidence that an image used to accuse Reform UK candidate Matthew Goodwin of photoshopping was itself tampered with. The investigation revealed several anomalies in the accuser's photo during the Gorton and Denton by-election campaign.
An anonymised account on social media platform X had claimed: «This is my house, this clown Goodwin has photoshopped his posters in my windows.» The post included an image of a house without Goodwin or Reform UK placards visible.
PA investigated by locating the property on Google Street View. The June 2025 imagery showed a Reform UK sticker visible in the bay windows. The house sits fairly close to Reddish North train station.
Evidence of manipulation
The accuser's image contained several apparent artefacts indicating tampering. PA identified disjointed brickwork in a small garden wall, with one brick appearing cut in half. The door also appeared misshapen.
Google Street View showed the brickwork looking normal. The door featured a gold letter plate and handle on the opposite side compared to the accuser's image.
PA attempted to locate the original post through keyword searches but did not find the account. The exact address will not be published to protect residents' privacy.
By-election context
The controversy emerged during the Gorton and Denton by-election campaign. Other candidates include Hannah Spencer for the Greens, Angeliki Stogia for Labour, Charlotte Cadden for the Conservatives, and Jackie Pearcey for the Liberal Democrats.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
