Overview
- He entered Hibou Blanc on High Bridge shortly after noon for a private function following morning campaigning in Greater Manchester.
- Around a dozen protesters gathered with placards and chanted as he arrived, prompting staff to close shutters at the venue’s Bigg Market entrance.
- Onlookers at the nearby Beehive pub watched the commotion, with shouting reported outside the bar after he went inside.
- He left the venue at about 4pm without speaking to reporters, and no formal remarks were made at the Newcastle event.
- Earlier he argued Labour blocking Andy Burnham from the Gorton and Denton by-election had boosted Reform’s chances with candidate Matt Goodwin, as the party also eyes May local-election gains across Tyne and Wear.