Gorton and Denton By-Election: A Crucial Test for Labour and Diverse Candidate Field
Voters in Gorton and Denton are preparing to cast their ballots next Thursday in a by-election that represents a significant challenge for Sir Keir Starmer and the Labour Party. This historically safe Labour seat in the north west is now contested by an unusual array of candidates, including a local plumber, a GB News presenter, and a retired police officer, as Labour battles threats from both the left and right to maintain its 13,000 majority.
Labour's Controversial Candidate Selection
Local councillor Angeliki Stogia has been selected as Labour's candidate in a controversial move that saw the party's National Executive Committee block popular Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing. Ms Stogia, originally from Greece, has lived in Manchester since 2004 and has served as a city councillor since 2012. She positions herself as a unifying force against what she calls the "divisive politics of Reform," pledging to deliver better housing, improved transport, and a greener Manchester. Despite the controversy surrounding her selection, she has received backing from both Sir Keir Starmer and Andy Burnham, who has campaigned alongside her in the constituency.
Green Party's Working-Class Alternative
The Green Party is fielding Hannah Spencer, a Trafford councillor and local plumber by trade, who presents herself as a left-wing alternative for disillusioned Labour voters. Green Party leader Zack Polanski has expressed confidence that Ms Spencer can defeat Labour in this crucial contest. Ms Spencer, who has lived and worked in the constituency, describes the election as a choice between "hope and hate" and positions the Greens as the only party capable of stopping Reform UK. However, she has faced criticism for past social media comments describing local high streets as dominated by "money-laundering takeaways," though the Green Party has defended her remarks as expressing concern for independent businesses.
Reform UK's Controversial Frontrunner
Matt Goodwin, a former academic and GB News presenter, is considered one of the frontrunners in the election, having framed the contest as a "referendum on Keir Starmer." Backed by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, Mr Goodwin has pledged to demand border fixes and clamp down on crime if elected. His campaign has generated significant controversy, with revelations that he has called for women to receive a "biological reality" check regarding fertility and suggested taxing childless individuals. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed the campaign is off to a strong start, with polls suggesting a narrowing race between Reform and Labour.
Conservative and Liberal Democrat Challengers
Retired police officer Charlotte Cadden represents the Conservative Party after thirty years of service with Greater Manchester Police and the Metropolitan Police. The former deputy chief inspector, who retired in 2025, has positioned herself as a "no-nonsense champion" of the constituency, criticizing Labour's impact on local high streets and dismissing both Reform and the Greens as offering "fantasy politics." Meanwhile, the Liberal Democrats have selected local campaigner and former councillor Jackie Pearcey, who holds a doctorate in nuclear physics and has served as a school governor for over twenty years. She pledges to focus on NHS improvements and cost-of-living issues.
Additional Candidates and Political Diversity
The by-election features nine additional candidates representing a broad political spectrum. Dan Clarke stands for the Libertarian Party, advocating for limited government and lower taxes in response to what he sees as increasing encroachments on civil liberties. Sebastian Moore represents the Social Democratic Party, pledging to rebuild Britain through improved housing, social cohesion, and meaningful work. Joseph O'Meachair offers a pro-EU alternative with the Rejoin EU Party, arguing that Britain needs to rejoin a strong democratic bloc. The ballot also includes Sir Oink a Lot from The Official Monster Raving Loony Party, Hugo Wils from the Communist League, and Nick Buckley from the right-wing Advance UK party, who has been backed by Tommy Robinson and calls for a public inquiry into grooming gangs.
This diverse field of candidates reflects the complex political landscape facing voters in Gorton and Denton, with the outcome potentially having significant implications for national politics and Labour's standing in its traditional northern heartlands.
