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In an unprecedented move for a serving Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer has taken to the campaign trail in Gorton and Denton, a seat Labour has historically dominated. With a crucial by-election looming this Thursday, Starmer joined local candidate Angeliki Stogia in a bid to retain the constituency amid rising competition from both the Green Party and Reform UK. As polls suggest Labour is trailing in third place, this visit underscores the urgency of the situation for the party.
A Critical By-Election for Labour
The Gorton and Denton by-election represents more than just a local contest; it is a pivotal moment for Labour’s current leadership. Traditionally, Prime Ministers refrain from attending by-election campaigns unless their candidate is victorious. However, the stakes are high, with Labour’s popularity faltering significantly since Starmer assumed leadership. In the 2024 election, Labour secured the seat with a comfortable majority of over 13,000 votes, but recent polling indicates a troubling shift in voter sentiment.
Labour insiders have expressed cautious optimism, suggesting that responses from constituents on the campaign trail have been more favourable than anticipated. Yet, the party’s precarious position is clear, as both the Green Party and Reform UK threaten to siphon votes away from Labour’s traditional base.
Starmer’s Direct Appeal to Voters
During his visit, Starmer did not shy away from criticising his opponents. He labelled the Green Party’s approach to drug policy as “disgusting” and firmly opposed their call for the legalisation of hard drugs, arguing that such policies would pose a serious risk to community safety. “Imagine what would happen in every park and every playground if that became law,” he stated, reflecting his concerns as a father of a teenager.
Starmer also cautioned potential Green voters about the risk of inadvertently supporting Reform’s candidate, Matt Goodwin, a prominent figure in the party and a GB News presenter. He pointed to the recent by-election in Runcorn, where Labour lost by a narrow margin, resulting in a Reform MP taking the seat. “A vote for the Green Party is, in effect, a vote for Reform,” Starmer asserted, urging constituents to consider the broader implications of their choices.
The Challenge Ahead
The political landscape is evolving rapidly, and the Gorton and Denton contest highlights Labour’s struggle to maintain its hold over key constituencies. The emergence of Reform UK and the Greens has introduced new dynamics, compelling Labour to re-evaluate its strategies and messaging.
Starmer’s visit was also marked by the presence of Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, despite her previous dismissal from the cabinet. This move signals a united front as the party seeks to galvanise support ahead of the vote. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; if Labour fails to secure this seat, it could signal deeper issues within the party and raise questions about Starmer’s leadership.
Why it Matters
The outcome of the Gorton and Denton by-election will resonate far beyond its local context. It serves as a litmus test for Labour’s current direction and leadership under Starmer, shedding light on the party’s vulnerabilities as it navigates a rapidly changing political landscape. A loss here could embolden rival parties and further undermine Labour’s standing in the eyes of the electorate. For many, this by-election is more than just a vote; it represents a critical moment in the fight for the future of British politics.
