Labour's Frantic Final Push in Gorton & Denton By-Election as Defeat Threatens Starmer
Labour is mounting a frantic final effort in the Gorton & Denton by-election, with stark warnings that a defeat could spell the end for Keir Starmer's leadership. The contest, set for Thursday, is entering its last few days in this traditional Labour stronghold, but the political landscape has become increasingly volatile.
Greens Weaponise Gaza Issue in Campaign Strategy
The Green Party appears to be strategically weaponising the Gaza conflict to mobilise voters, particularly targeting the significant Muslim population in the Manchester constituency. Campaign literature includes Urdu translations of messages, with one flier showing candidate Hannah Spencer wearing a keffiyeh and urging voters to 'punish Labour for Gaza'.
Ms Spencer told the Middle East Eye: 'People are really angry about how Labour failed to call it a genocide or to bring any measures against the Israeli government.' This approach has drawn criticism from Labour officials, with deputy leader Lucy Powell pleading with residents not to let Nigel Farage's Reform Party in by 'turning to the Greens'.
Labour's Struggle Against Reform and Internal Tensions
Labour had hoped to frame Thursday's vote as a straightforward battle with Reform, which has been performing strongly in national polls. However, even optimistic activists acknowledge the outcome is on a knife-edge, with limited polling suggesting a potential three-way split between Labour, Reform, and the Greens.
Reform candidate Matt Goodwin has branded the by-election a referendum on Sir Keir's leadership, as the Prime Minister struggles to maintain his position. Labour general secretary Hollie Ridley made controversial remarks during an all-staff call, stating the Greens are 'clearly high on the Class A drugs they want to legalise if they think they're in this race'.
Corbyn's Endorsement Adds to Labour's Challenges
Adding to Labour's difficulties, former leader Jeremy Corbyn has entered the constituency to offer his support to the Green Party, after his own Your Party decided against fielding a candidate. Corbyn declared: 'There is only one way we will defeat Reform: together. That's why I'm backing the Greens in the Gorton and Denton by-election.'
This endorsement potentially undermines Labour's traditional support base and complicates their electoral strategy in a seat they have historically dominated.
Polling Uncertainties and Voter Mobilisation
Constituency-level surveys are notoriously difficult to conduct accurately, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the by-election. One Labour veteran told the Daily Mail that victory will ultimately depend on which party can most effectively mobilise their supporters.
'I think most voters aren't sure of any of the parties,' the frontbencher observed. 'Just look at the polls. Everyone seems to be around 20 per cent with Reform mid 20s... It's not very convincing for anyone at the minute. Five parties in a two-party system.'
Potential Consequences for Starmer's Leadership
A loss in this traditional Labour stronghold could trigger fresh speculation about Sir Keir's future as Prime Minister, particularly with challenging local elections looming in May. The by-election has become a critical test of his leadership amid growing discontent within his own party and among traditional Labour voters.
A Green Party spokesman defended their campaign approach, telling the Sunday Telegraph: 'Not all voters speak English as their first language so of course Greens wish to be inclusive. Our approach has been praised by locals who love their diverse community.' They added that Greens have been 'outspoken about the Labour Government's foreign policy failure over Gaza' and many voters wish to send a message to Labour through this by-election.
