Labour's Stogia Battles Reform's Goodwin in Manchester By-Election Showdown
A critical by-election in Manchester next week has become a fierce contest between Labour's vision of unity and Reform UK's divisive political approach, according to Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia. With voters in Gorton and Denton heading to the polls on Thursday, February 26, Stogia has launched a passionate defense of her city while directly challenging Reform candidate Matt Goodwin's campaign tactics.
Campaign Trail Encounters and Voter Sentiments
The Mirror accompanied Ms Stogia during her Friday campaign activities, where she engaged with constituents while riding a bicycle-powered blender to distribute fresh juice to potential voters. "We have had tens of thousands of conversations in the last few weeks and things are looking positive," Stogia revealed, expressing cautious optimism about Labour's prospects in the upcoming election.
Regarding the fundamental choice facing voters, Stogia emphasized: "This is about shouting from the sidelines and divisive politics or it's about unity and keeping our city united." Her comments directly reference what she perceives as Reform's confrontational approach to politics.
Direct Criticism of Reform Candidate
At a recent hustings event, Stogia openly mocked her Reform rival with a pointed "Welcome to Manchester" remark. She elaborated on her criticism, stating: "I don't think he understands anything about this constituency, I think he was rattled, he was late, he had satnav, he had two security, and he still came late."
The Labour candidate also addressed criticism from Green Party candidate Hannah Spencer, whose campaign literature called for Labour to be "punished for Gaza." Stogia responded firmly: "Dividing communities on the doorstep here in Manchester is not going to change things in Gaza."
Labour's Strategic Position and Local Support
Labour Deputy Leader Lucy Powell acknowledged the party faces a significant challenge but emphasized their determination to prevent a Reform victory. The Manchester Central MP explained: "With Reform standing, the nature of their candidate, it's been really galvanizing for a lot of our activists, our supporters, and our voters as well."
Powell highlighted the importance of local Labour leadership, particularly praising Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham's involvement: "We do have a particularly strong Labour brand in Manchester and Greater Manchester, the Andy effect, if you like, and on the Manchester side, a very good Labour council."
Voter Perspectives and Community Concerns
Despite Labour securing 50.8% of the vote in the 2024 general election, the party recognizes approximately 25-30% of voters remain undecided. Campaign efforts include special events featuring both Mayor Burnham and candidate Stogia to address floating voters' concerns.
Among local residents, Abundance Ibekwe, a 31-year-old data worker originally from Nigeria, expressed support for Labour but urged greater tolerance toward immigrants: "They are a bit tough on us, I'm an immigrant, and I'm not illegal in this country, and I've been working so hard, paying my taxes, and I don't know why they are hitting us so hard."
Ibekwe identified housing costs and crime as primary concerns for the area, noting: "I had thought the UK was a very safe country, but sometimes I'm scared. The other thing is housing, rent prices. I am working so hard to make a living, but it's so hard."
Community Voices and Political Commentary
Sam Cooke, CEO of Tameside Arts Ltd, declined to reveal her voting intentions but emphasized the need for council support to enhance community activities, particularly for "minorities, those with disabilities, and people on low incomes or struggling with bills."
Retired voter John Simpson explained his Labour support stemmed from frustration with Conservative instability: "I am supporting Labour because I think they're in at the moment, we don't need any more changes, we had plenty of changes over the Conservative era."
Simpson also delivered a subtle criticism of Reform's candidate: "They need an MP that's local, not someone that has been parachuted in from GB News." This comment references Matt Goodwin's association with the television channel and his controversial statement that "It takes more than a piece of paper to make somebody British," which has drawn support from far-right activist Tommy Robinson.
David Lloyd-Jones, 44, expressed disillusionment with the political system but acknowledged concerns about Reform UK leader Nigel Farage: "I'd rather throw my vote on one of them than let Farage inch their way forward eventually. Farage, I feel, is one of those fake friends, who tells the people what they want to hear, not what they need to hear."
As the by-election approaches, the battle lines are clearly drawn between Labour's message of municipal unity and Reform's more confrontational political style, with Manchester voters preparing to make their decisive choice on Thursday.
