Andy Burnham's Final Push in Gorton and Denton By-Election
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham made a last-minute appeal to voters in the Gorton and Denton constituency, urging them to support Labour and reject what he termed the "division" of the Reform party. On a rainy Thursday afternoon in Manchester, Burnham joined Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia and Deputy Leader Lucy Powell for a polling day tour, climbing aboard the party's battle bus outside a large Tesco store in Gorton.
Unity Versus Division in Tight Contest
When asked about the main opponent in this by-election, Burnham stated clearly: "Reform, as we've said that all along. You know, Greater Manchester is based on partnership and unity, as Angeliki has said. You want to see unity, and not let division into Greater Manchester and that message has really got through in this by-election." This message of unity versus division has become a central theme in what is seen as a tightly contested three-way battle between Labour, Reform, and the Greens.
Polls opened this morning in a race that could have significant implications for national politics. Green party leader Zack Polanski claimed his party was "neck and neck" with Reform UK to overturn Labour's 13,000-vote majority, warning that Labour would need to "search their conscience" if Reform UK wins. Labour leader Keir Starmer has argued that only Labour can see off Nigel Farage's Reform, stating that a vote for the Greens was "in effect, a vote for Reform."
Labour's Campaign Momentum
Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia remained optimistic despite the competitive race, highlighting the campaign's energy: "We've got more than 1,000 volunteers out, as we speak. We're expecting more people to join us, later on, people are enthused with the campaign, and we are going to carry on knocking, and, you know, we've got the blessings of the Manchester rain!" Burnham expressed no disappointment about being blocked from standing himself, praising Stogia: "No we have a brilliant candidate and she hasn't put a foot wrong, she's been out every day, she's done us proud." Lucy Powell added: "We've got one team here and Angeliki has been right in the middle of that."
Stakes High for Starmer and National Politics
A victory for Labour would provide Prime Minister Keir Starmer with some breathing space after a period where his leadership has faced questioning. Conversely, a defeat could pile pressure back on, with some suggesting that a third-placed finish in this previously safe part of Greater Manchester might spell trouble for his premiership. Starmer has framed the choice starkly: "The choice at today's by-election could not be more stark. Unity or division. Driving down the cost of living with Labour or driving a wedge between communities under Reform. Moving forwards together, or opening up anger and division that holds our country back."
He specifically targeted Reform candidate Matthew Goodwin, stating: "Reform's Matthew Goodwin thinks people who aren't white can't be English and wants women who choose not to have children to pay more tax. Vote Labour in Gorton and Denton today to send him and his toxic politics packing." Goodwin, a GR News presenter who has faced criticism for comments on women, Muslims, and British citizenship, is standing for Reform UK, while Hannah Spencer, a Trafford councillor and plumber, represents the Green party.
The outcome of this by-election will be closely watched as a barometer of political sentiment in Greater Manchester and beyond, with implications for party strategies and national unity debates.
