During a recent hustings held in Greater Manchester for the Gorton and Denton by-election, Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia and Reform candidate Matt Goodwin engaged in a heated debate regarding safety and the impact of political rhetoric on women. Stogia expressed concern for women's safety in the constituency, claiming that many felt frightened to leave their homes due to the far-right rhetoric propagated by Goodwin and his party. She highlighted the potential negative effects of such messaging on community sentiments and the lived experiences of women in the area.

In response, Goodwin defended himself by stating that he had received "very real threats" against his life, implying that the discourse around safety should also consider the threats faced by politicians. He argued that the fear women feel is instead a result of Labour's immigration policies, which he claims lead to increased risk for women and girls in society. This counterpoint provoked further tension, as Stogia questioned the validity of Goodwin's statements in light of the fears expressed by local women.

The confrontational exchange during the hustings underscored the divisions between the two political parties, particularly regarding issues of safety, immigration, and the broader implications of far-right rhetoric. This clash not only reflects the intense political landscape leading up to the by-election but also raises critical questions about the impact of political discourse on community safety and perceptions of threat, especially concerning vulnerable groups like women.