Labour's Historic Stronghold Faces Unprecedented Challenge in Gorton and Denton
Greater Manchester's Gorton constituency, a Labour bastion since 1935, faces a potentially transformative by-election on Thursday that could reshape the political landscape of the region. The contest has become a lightning rod for discontent with Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, particularly after the Prime Minister blocked popular Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing as the Labour candidate.
The Burnham Factor: A Popular Figure Absent from the Ballot
Henry Iyoha, a 57-year-old sweet stall owner in Gorton Market, voices a sentiment heard repeatedly across the constituency: "I would have voted for Andy Burnham above all of them." He credits Burnham with transforming the region's bus network, attracting investment, and standing up for the area during the pandemic. "He gets things bloody done," Iyoha says with conviction.
This admiration for Burnham creates a significant problem for Labour, as Starmer reportedly blocked the mayor's candidacy over fears of a potential leadership challenge. Instead, local councillor Angeliki Stogia carries the Labour banner, leaving many voters like Iyoha feeling dejected. "I'm not keen on Starmer," he admits. "He's always flip-flopping. It's no way to lead."
A Three-Way Battle Emerges in Traditionally Red Territory
The by-election follows former MP Andrew Gwynne's resignation after leaked WhatsApp messages revealed he hoped a constituent would "croaked it." Now, polls indicate Labour faces serious challenges from both the Green Party on the left and Reform UK on the right.
Kath Walsh, a 57-year-old childminder, captures the shifting mood: "What good have Labour done us?" she asks while visiting Gorton Market with her 82-year-old mother Joan. Despite acknowledging Burnham's achievements with Manchester's buses and homelessness reduction, she contemplates voting for Reform. "I wouldn't trust Farage as far as I could throw him, but maybe they deserve a chance."
Economic Pressures and Political Disillusionment
The constituency, ranked as the 15th most deprived in the country, grapples with significant challenges:
- Educational attainment below national average
- Lower home-ownership rates
- Reduced life expectancy compared to national figures
- Persistent cost-of-living pressures
Shawan Karem, a 46-year-old shop assistant and father of four, highlights the economic strain: "I work hard, and still rising costs, rising costs, rising costs." He points to cucumbers as symbolic of inflation - from three for a pound before the pandemic to 89p for a single cucumber today.
The Competing Campaigns: Greens and Reform Make Their Pitch
Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer, a Trafford councillor, positions herself as the "hope over hate" option, advocating progressive policies to address local malaise. Reform candidate Matt Goodwin, an academic-turned-GB News presenter, pledges to "demand Britain fixes its borders" and "clamps down on crime," receiving backing from controversial figure Tommy Robinson.
The campaign has been contentious, with both major challengers reporting security concerns due to threats of violence. Goodwin's campaign faced police investigation over anti-Labour letters falsely presented as from "concerned neighbours," while Labour faced scrutiny over a video showing attendees told to hold up posters "if you want to get fed."
Immigration Emerges as Key Dividing Issue
Mike Jones, a 64-year-old painter and decorator, voices frustration shared by many: "Why is it hatred to not want illegal immigrants coming over?" His friend Pete Smith, a 69-year-old retired engineer, expresses outrage over £6,500 compensation payments to migrants whose phones were confiscated after Channel crossings.
Yet not all residents share this perspective. Mo Abdul Qayyum, a barber who arrived from Pakistan three years ago, finds Reform's immigration rhetoric troubling. "I don't know much about politics, but I don't like this," he says from his Denton barbershop. "People keep telling me Labour. I think they are more decent."
Local Concerns Beyond National Politics
Beyond the national issues, residents identify persistent local problems:
- Unrepaired potholes across the constituency
- Litter accumulation in public spaces
- Difficulty accessing GP appointments
- Concerns about student debt burdens
Despite Reform's visible presence in some areas, particularly Denton where turquoise blue posters proliferate, bookmakers have recently lengthened their odds of a Reform victory. The party has faced criticism over a proposed shadow cabinet filled with ex-Tory MPs and images of senior figures, including Nigel Farage, drinking champagne at a London book launch for "How To Launder Money" by Farage aide George Cottrell.
Looking Beyond the Political Noise
Back at Gorton Market, Henry Iyoha observes positive local developments, including a new town centre with seating, lighting, and play equipment, plus planned market renovations featuring a revamped food hall - all led by Labour-run Manchester City Council.
"I don't say everything is great," Iyoha reflects, "but this will make the place better. When something good is done, we should acknowledge that. Whoever wins, I just hope they care about the area."
As voters prepare to cast their ballots, the election represents more than just choosing a new MP. It serves as a referendum on Labour's direction under Starmer, a test of alternative parties' appeal, and a measure of whether traditional political loyalties can withstand the pressures of economic hardship and leadership disputes.
