Labour MPs Urged to Unite as Reform UK Prepares Candidate for Gorton and Denton By-Election

Labour MPs Urged to Unite as Reform UK Prepares Candidate for Gorton and Denton By-Election

Labour MPs have been called upon to set aside internal divisions and focus on the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, scheduled for 26 February. This follows a contentious decision by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as a candidate, a move that has sparked criticism from left-wing factions and trade unions.

Reform UK and Greens Eye Opportunity

As Labour grapples with this internal rift, political rivals are capitalising on the situation. Reform UK is set to announce its candidate for the by-election at a press conference in the constituency on Tuesday, with party figure Nigel Farage suggesting that Labour's decision has significantly improved Reform's chances. Meanwhile, the Green Party is also assessing its prospects in the race, potentially positioning itself as a challenger from the left.

Starmer's Leadership Under Scrutiny

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was among the NEC members who voted against Mr Burnham's candidacy, defended the move by emphasising that the "battle of our times" is between Labour and Reform UK. However, he now faces mounting pressure from within his own party, with some MPs questioning the impact of excluding Mr Burnham during a Parliamentary Labour Party meeting. Attorney General Lord Hermer, a close ally of the PM, urged MPs to avoid focusing on internal politics and instead concentrate on the by-election campaign.

Internal Concerns and Strategic Calculations

Senior Labour figures have privately conceded that they expect to lose the by-election following Mr Burnham's exclusion, with The Times reporting fears that the party could finish third behind Reform and the Greens. Some within Labour view this potential loss as a strategic sacrifice to retain the Greater Manchester mayoralty, with Sir Keir reportedly offering support for Mr Burnham to run for a north-west seat in 2027, closer to the end of his mayoral term.

Burnham's Future and Party Unity

Andy Burnham expressed disappointment over the decision in a statement released on Sunday, but according to The Guardian, he has not entirely ruled out a future return to Westminster. As Labour chair Anna Turley emphasised the need for a "positive message" heading into the election, the party faces the challenge of uniting its MPs amid ongoing tensions, while Sir Keir's upcoming trip to China will temporarily remove him from the domestic political arena.