In the wake of a resounding by-election defeat, a senior government minister is set to issue a stark warning to the Labour Party against shifting leftwards across all policy areas. The caution comes after Labour's disappointing third-place finish in the Gorton and Denton constituency, trailing behind both the Green Party and Reform UK.
By-Election Results Spark Internal Labour Debate
The outcome of Thursday's poll delivered a significant blow to Labour, with the party securing only third position in what was previously considered a rock-solid Greater Manchester seat. The Greens, led by Zack Polanski, emerged victorious with candidate Hannah Spencer claiming 14,980 votes and a commanding majority of 4,402. Reform UK, under Nigel Farage's leadership, placed second, leaving Labour struggling to maintain its traditional stronghold.
Home Secretary's Immigration Crackdown Plans
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to advocate for a new immigration crackdown next week, coinciding with mounting pressure on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to either steer his party leftward or consider resignation. A source close to the Home Secretary emphasized to the Times that Labour must not misinterpret the by-election loss, stating, "The idea that we are losing Muslim voters over immigration is just plain wrong."
The source further warned, "Without bold action on migration, the entire future of Britain's asylum system, the Labour Party and its values will be in jeopardy." Mahmood is reportedly preparing to introduce new legislation aimed at overhauling Britain's asylum system, with the strategic objective of diminishing Reform UK's appeal among voters.
International Inspiration and Internal Dissent
The Home Secretary's approach appears influenced by her recent visit to Denmark, where a social democratic-led government has successfully reduced asylum applications to their lowest level in four decades and removed 95% of rejected asylum seekers. This model of stringent immigration control is being considered as a potential blueprint for UK policy reforms.
Meanwhile, internal calls for a directional change within Labour's leadership have intensified. Former deputy prime minister Angela Rayner described the by-election result as a "wake-up call" for the party, urging colleagues to "rededicate" themselves to "a Labour agenda that puts people first." Backbench MP Clive Lewis from Norwich South echoed these sentiments, advocating for "a clean break" to avoid losing the country "for a generation."
Prime Minister's Response and Green Party Celebrations
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the "disappointing" result and voter "frustration" on Friday but reaffirmed his commitment to continue leading the party. He pledged to "fight against extremes in politics" on both the left and right that threaten to "tear our country apart."
Green leader Zack Polanski celebrated his party's victory on Channel 4's comedy chat show The Last Leg, where he addressed various policy areas. He criticized the Prime Minister's characterization of Green Party drug policy as "ridiculous," clarifying, "There are drugs that are dangerous, and those clearly need to be regulated really carefully. On the other side of it, I'd say if someone wants a spliff: we are the Green Party. Let them get on with it."
During the show, Polanski video-called newly elected MP Hannah Spencer, who watched as he participated in a plastering challenge. Reports indicate that Spencer, a councillor and plumber, recently completed an intensive plastering course even while campaigning for the constituency, showcasing her multifaceted background as she prepares to represent Gorton and Denton in Parliament.
