In a rare move for a sitting Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has plunged into the Gorton and Denton by-election campaign, a decision reflecting the urgency of the Labour Party’s current predicament. With the vote looming on Thursday, Starmer joined Labour’s candidate, Angeliki Stogia, in a bid to reclaim the constituency amid a competitive challenge from the Greens and Reform UK.
Uncommon Tactics Amidst Political Strife
Starmer’s appearance in the Greater Manchester constituency is striking, as it is unusual for Prime Ministers to engage in by-election campaigning unless they are celebrating a victory. Labour finds itself in a precarious third position, trailing behind both the Greens and Reform UK, according to recent polls and betting odds.
Despite the dire circumstances, sources within Labour have conveyed a surprising confidence, asserting that responses from voters on the streets have exceeded expectations. This sentiment comes as the party faces significant scrutiny, especially with the by-election’s outcome potentially threatening Starmer’s leadership.
Confronting Controversy
During his visit, Starmer took the opportunity to criticise both the Green Party’s drug policy, which he deemed “disgusting,” and the “toxic” nature of Reform UK. He articulated his concerns regarding Green candidate Zack Polanski’s advocacy for drug legalisation, arguing that such policies would wreak havoc on community safety. “Imagine what would happen in every park and every playground in this constituency,” he stated, emphasising the risks involved.
Starmer’s remarks were aimed at dissuading potential Green voters from supporting a party that could inadvertently assist Reform’s candidate, Matt Goodwin, in securing a parliamentary seat. He recalled the narrow defeat Labour faced in the Runcorn by-election last year, which saw Reform triumph by a mere handful of votes.
The Stakes for Labour
Historically, Gorton and Denton has been a Labour stronghold. In 2024, the party won the seat with a commanding majority of 13,413 votes, securing over half of the total cast. However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since Starmer ascended to No 10, with Labour’s popularity waning considerably.
The current contest is critical not only for the immediate electoral stakes but also for the broader implications it holds for Labour’s future direction and Starmer’s leadership. With the party’s internal dynamics in flux and leadership challenges looming, this by-election is a litmus test for Starmer’s viability at the helm.
Why it Matters
The outcome of the Gorton and Denton by-election will resonate far beyond local politics, serving as a crucial indicator of Labour’s standing in the run-up to the next general election. Should Labour fail to secure this seat, it could signal deeper issues within the party and weaken Starmer’s position, potentially paving the way for leadership challenges. Conversely, a victory could reinvigorate Labour’s image and bolster Starmer’s authority, making this contest a pivotal moment in British politics.
