Andy Burnham Issues Stark Warning Ahead of Gorton and Denton By-Election
Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has declared the forthcoming Gorton and Denton by-election a pivotal moment in British politics, urging voters to prevent what he describes as Reform UK's "poisonous politics" from infiltrating the region. In an exclusive message, Burnham emphasised that the race remains highly competitive and winnable for Labour, despite bookmakers' predictions.
A Defining Political Battle
Burnham sees this by-election as exceptionally significant, motivating his active support for Labour candidate Angeliki Stogia. He argues that Reform UK has reached a ceiling in its support and is vulnerable following its incorporation of former Conservative Party members. "This is a race where there is no clear favourite," Burnham stated, "but one that is too close to call as we go into the last lap. It is all to play for – and there is a lot riding on it."
Reform UK Labelled as 'Rank Tories in Turquoise Ties'
The Mayor launched a scathing critique of Reform UK, linking its leaders—Nigel Farage, Richard Tice, and Zia Yusuf—to the Conservative Party under Margaret Thatcher in the 1980s. He accused them of championing policies that de-industrialised the North and deregulated public services. "Don't ever be in any doubt about it: Reform UK are rank Tories in turquoise ties," Burnham asserted. "They are the worst of them. The ones in the pub who used to say Thatcher isn't going far enough."
Burnham warned that Reform's approach threatens Greater Manchester's progress, which he attributes to a politics of positivity and partnership. "The politics of division is a real and present danger to that success," he cautioned, highlighting the region's status as the UK's most vibrant and fastest-growing city-region.
Greater Manchester's Achievements Under Threat
Burnham outlined key accomplishments in Greater Manchester that he believes are at risk:
- Building the first homes for social rent in the city centre in 40 years.
- Returning buses to public control and maintaining a £2 single fare cap throughout 2026.
- Re-industrialising the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution after significant job losses.
He credited these successes to devolution and a stable, welcoming environment that attracts global investors. Burnham fears Reform UK would undermine this by fostering fear and division. "Reform UK would put all that at risk by pitting people and communities against each other," he said.
Voter Appeal and Broader Context
Having engaged extensively with residents in Gorton and Denton, Burnham expressed confidence that Reform UK is beatable and Labour can secure the seat. He called on voters to reject divisive politics and support unity. "I trust the good people of Greater Manchester to do what they have always done and vote for unity," he remarked.
Beyond the by-election, Burnham touched on other regional developments:
- Olympic Bid: Northern Mayors, inspired by the Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, are exploring a joint bid for a "Great North Olympics" in 2040.
- Transport Reform: Greater Manchester will abolish the "Twirlies" rule, allowing older and disabled people to use bus passes before 9:30 AM, addressing cost-of-living concerns.
- Cultural Shifts: The upcoming Brit Awards at Co-op Live, marking the first time the event is held outside London, symbolises a shift in the UK's power balance toward the North.
Burnham concluded by urging the government to focus more on the cost-of-living crisis, suggesting that eliminating similar transport restrictions nationwide would be a positive step. His message underscores the high stakes of the by-election for both local governance and national political dynamics.
