Labour MPs Express Reluctance to Campaign in Crucial By-Election as Reform and Greens Loom
Despondent Labour MPs are showing a distinct lack of enthusiasm for campaigning in the pivotal Gorton and Denton by-election, with many fearing the party could face an embarrassing defeat. This reluctance stems from growing concerns over Sir Keir Starmer's leadership and the strategic challenges posed by Reform UK and the Green Party, who are both making strong bids for the historically safe Labour seat.
Internal Discontent Over Burnham's Blocked Candidacy
A significant source of frustration among Labour backbenchers is the party's decision to block Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the constituency. MPs have been instructed to offer support and campaign at least once before next month's vote, but several have privately expressed their unwillingness to do so with vigour.
"I will go once to say I have done it, but I am not filled with enthusiasm to help out in a contest we are going to lose," one Labour MP confessed. Another added bluntly: "What's the point? There's not exactly a lot of enthusiasm to knock doors just to save Starmer."
The sentiment is echoed by others who believe the campaign lacks inspiration without Burnham's presence. "We would have won with Andy Burnham, but I know activists from my constituency don't exactly feel inspired to go and campaign there now," noted an MP, highlighting the dampened morale among party volunteers.
Reform UK and Green Party Campaigns Gain Momentum
While Labour grapples with internal dissent, both Reform UK and the Green Party have launched energetic campaigns in the constituency. Reform leader Nigel Farage made his first visit to Greater Manchester on Friday, supporting candidate Matt Goodwin and pledging to return multiple times before the election.
Farage told supporters: "We've got an excellent, strong candidate who I've known for... 15 years? Fifteen years? Something like that. And I know Matt is going absolutely to put his shoulder to the wheel and work very, very hard."
Meanwhile, the Green Party announced local councillor Hannah Spencer as their candidate. Green leader Zack Polanski, speaking at their campaign launch, quipped: "The Houses of Parliament. Leaky roofs, crumbling walls. I think they need a plumber! And a plasterer! And we've got someone who can do both!" referencing Spencer's professional background.
Labour's Strategic Concerns and Tactical Voting Fears
Labour appears genuinely concerned about the Green Party's rising influence, particularly since Zack Polanski became leader last September. The party has initiated efforts to prevent left-wing voters from tactically backing the Greens, fearing a repeat of the "Caerphilly scenario" where Labour came third after voters supported Plaid Cymru to keep Reform out.
One senior backbencher remarked: "It is just embarrassing that in a seat which we have held for almost all of the last 100 years and had a large majority in the general election we are now desperately trying to stop voters switching to the Greens to stop Reform."
The prospect of a Green victory is viewed by some Labour MPs as even more damaging than a Reform win. "At least if Reform win we can say it is us against Reform, but if the Greens win it will feed into the narrative that voting Green is not a wasted vote and they are a serious alternative around the country," explained an MP whose own seat is threatened by Reform.
This dynamic complicates Labour's reliance on tactical voting, with the MP adding: "I am going to need to rely on tactical voting to save my seat as are other colleagues but if people think they can vote Green and get a Green MP then that is much less likely to happen."
Candidate Selection and Broader Implications
Labour is set to choose from a shortlist of three relatively unknown councillors on Saturday, a move that has done little to inspire confidence among MPs. The party has also highlighted that Reform's candidate, Matt Goodwin, received an endorsement from far-right activist Tommy Robinson, though this has not alleviated internal anxieties.
With the by-election seen as a precursor to potential losses in May, one backbencher warned: "If we come third in this seat it will be unacceptable for colleagues. It will just be a precursor to the bloodbath in May." This statement underscores the high stakes and the deepening sense of crisis within Labour ranks as they face an unprecedented challenge in a traditionally secure constituency.
