Labour MPs have been urged to unite ahead of the Gorton and Denton by-election, expected on 26 February, after a row over blocking Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing. Reform UK is set to announce its candidate on Tuesday, while the Green Party is also eyeing the contest.
The by-election follows the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne for health reasons. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who is beginning a trip to China, was among senior Labour figures urging focus on the race after the party's National Executive Committee voted to deny Mr Burnham's application to stand.
Sir Keir defended the decision, insisting the “battle of our times” is between Labour and Reform UK. At a meeting of Labour backbench MPs on Monday night, Attorney General Lord Hermer urged MPs not to focus on internal politics. Labour chair Anna Turley called for a “positive message” in the campaign.
However, senior Labour figures have reportedly conceded in private that they expect to lose the seat after Mr Burnham was blocked. The Times reported some fear Labour could fall to third place behind Reform and the Greens. Reform's Nigel Farage said the decision would benefit his party, claiming its chances are “considerably better”.
Mr Burnham expressed disappointment but has not ruled out a future return to Westminster. The Guardian reported that Sir Keir has offered support for Mr Burnham to run in another north-west seat in 2027, closer to the end of his mayoral term.
