Labour has launched an attack on the Green party's policy to legalise all drugs, as the two parties compete to be the main left-wing challenger to Reform UK in the upcoming Gorton and Denton byelection. The contest, expected in late February, has become a three-way battle, with Labour, the Greens and Reform all believing they can win the seat.
Labour's targeted online adverts highlight the Greens' stance, which a Labour spokesperson described as “extreme and dangerous”. Deputy leader Lucy Powell stated that a vote for the Greens risks letting Reform in, citing a previous byelection loss in Runcorn by six votes due to Green voters. Reform's candidate, Matthew Goodwin, has been criticised by Labour for past associations with Tommy Robinson.
The Greens hit back, accusing Labour of “weaponising a serious public health issue”, and claimed that only the Greens can beat Reform. A Green spokesperson said the Labour vote is collapsing on the doorstep, and that the byelection is now a two-way race between the Greens and Reform. The Green candidate is expected to be Hannah Spencer or Mothin Ali, with nominations closing on Thursday.
The seat became vacant after former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne stood down following a scandal involving offensive WhatsApp messages. Labour blocked popular Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing, adding to the party's challenge despite a 13,000 majority. Both Labour and the Greens are urging tactical voting to stop Reform, warning that a split on the left could hand the seat to Nigel Farage's party.
