Denton's Disenchantment: A Forgotten Town's Byelection Battle with Reform UK
Residents in Denton, a town on the outskirts of Manchester, are voicing a profound sense of neglect as a pivotal byelection approaches on 26 February. The community, just six-and-a-half miles from Manchester city centre, feels increasingly isolated, with many describing it as "the forgotten little town." This sentiment is palpable in the proliferation of turquoise blue Reform UK posters adorning windows, walls, and garden posts across Denton, signalling a potential political shift in the constituency.
Community Frustrations and Economic Struggles
Ian Singleton, a 68-year-old army veteran and former builder, along with his wife Irene, 66, a retired textile worker, exemplify the local discontent. They have lived in Denton for nearly three decades and have witnessed a stark decline in the high street. "You've only got two pubs," Ian lamented, noting that social spaces have been replaced by an abundance of hairdressers, nail shops, takeaways, and barbers. He attributes this to government policies, stating, "I think the government, between these and some of the Tories, they've killed the little businesses. They've killed the pubs."
Irene added to the economic concerns, highlighting rising costs: "Not only that, everything's just gone so expensive as well, hasn't it?" The couple's children, in their late 30s and early 40s, are struggling to buy homes, finding it "virtually impossible" due to soaring prices. This is contrasted with the Gorton half of the constituency, where median house prices in areas like Levenshulme have risen at twice Manchester's overall rate between 2013 and 2023, fuelling rapid gentrification.
Infrastructure Neglect and Social Divisions
Denton's infrastructure woes compound the economic challenges. The Metrolink system has bypassed the town, bus services are slow due to congested routes, and the local railway station was named Britain's least-used for 2023-24, with only one return train service per week. Council tax increases have not translated into better services; instead, bin collections have been cut, roads are riddled with potholes, and fly-tipped rubbish litters streets near the centre.
This neglect has fostered a sense of malaise, with residents feeling left behind. On social media, one resident lamented the lack of seasonal decorations, writing, "Nothing. The little lost town. Forgotten. It's just the way I feel. There are lots of good people in Denton who feel the same." Ian Singleton also expressed concerns about national identity, noting a lack of pride compared to Wales, but he distanced himself from racist undertones associated with St George's flags displayed in the area, saying, "I think sometimes people who use it are racists, and are anti-foreign people."
Political Landscape and Reform UK's Opportunity
The byelection presents a complex political dynamic. In Gorton, a straight fight between Labour and the Greens dominates, with each party vying to counter Nigel Farage's Reform UK. However, the division in Gorton creates an opening for Reform's candidate, Matt Goodwin, to accumulate votes in Denton. Goodwin has positioned himself as "a very loud champion" for residents' issues, appealing to those disillusioned with traditional parties.
Ian Singleton, once a staunch Labour supporter, now feels abandoned: "With Labour, it was the party of the working people, and it just turned its back." He views Goodwin as a potential voice for change, describing him as a "lad from around this area" who, alongside party colleague Lee Anderson, could represent the working class. Another anonymous Denton resident cited the economy as his reason for supporting Reform, though he acknowledged discomfort with some policies, such as environmental stances and immigration, stating, "I've had to sacrifice some of my beliefs, I think, to support Reform."
Challenges and Uncertainties for Reform UK
Despite the visible support, Reform UK faces logistical hurdles. Professor Robert Ford of the University of Manchester noted, "I think the challenge for Reform is logistical and organisational. How do you find those voices and engage them?" Canvassing in areas with mixed sentiments could be "quite a bruising experience," he added, as Reform supporters may be scattered among hostile voters.
In Gorton, gentrification has sparked backlash, with some residents embracing Reform as a protest against "weirdo Chorlton wannabes." However, Green candidate Hannah Spencer rejected the notion that Reform has a lock on Denton, arguing, "I don't think any party has got any area in the bag. And it was a mistake I think Reform made by assuming a white working-class community was just going to vote for them." Tensions have flared over flags and posters, with community members debating inclusivity and safety on local social media groups.
Ultimately, the outcome remains uncertain. Ford suggested Reform could "come through the middle on a divided vote" if Labour and Green support splits evenly, but cautioned, "Anyone who tells you what's going to happen in the wee small hours of Friday morning two weeks from now is either a fool or a fanatic. There really is no way of knowing." For Ian Singleton, the hope is simple: "Let's put it this way; I don't think they can do any worse, I really don't."
