Labour Party MPs are expressing reluctance to actively campaign for the imminent by-election in Gorton and Denton, with many fearing a potential loss to Reform UK or the Green Party. The hesitance stems from dissatisfaction with Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership and the recent decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from contesting the seat.
Labour’s Internal Dissent
As the Labour Party gears up for the Gorton and Denton by-election, a sense of despondency hangs over its members. Backbenchers have voiced their disinterest in campaigning, particularly after Burnham’s exclusion. One MP candidly remarked, “I will go once to say I have done it, but I am not filled with enthusiasm to help out in a contest we are going to lose.” This sentiment reflects a growing disconnect between the party’s leadership and its grassroots activists.
Starmer’s MPs have been instructed to show support for the constituency, with each expected to campaign at least once before the election. Yet, the atmosphere remains uninspiring, as some MPs question the value of their efforts: “There’s not exactly a lot of enthusiasm to knock doors just to save Starmer,” stated another member.
Competing Forces Emerge
In stark contrast, rival parties are already ramping up their campaigns. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage visited the Gorton and Denton area to rally support for their candidate, Matt Goodwin. During his visit, Farage expressed confidence in Goodwin’s abilities, stating, “We’ve got an excellent, strong candidate… and I know Matt is going absolutely to put his shoulder to the wheel and work very, very hard.”
Similarly, the Green Party has launched its campaign, introducing local councillor Hannah Spencer, a plumber-in-training, as its candidate. Green leader Zack Polanski highlighted the need for practical skills in Parliament, quipping, “I think they need a plumber! And a plasterer! And we’ve got someone who can do both!”
The Threat of Tactical Voting
Labour’s anxiety over the Green Party’s rising profile is palpable, particularly since the party has gained traction in recent polls. The leadership is keen to avoid a repeat of the “Caerphilly scenario,” where tactical voting led to Labour’s unexpected defeat. A senior backbencher lamented, “It is just embarrassing that in a seat which we have held for almost all of the last 100 years…we are now desperately trying to stop voters switching to the Greens to stop Reform.”
The stakes are high, as the possibility of a Green victory could reshape perceptions of the party as a legitimate alternative. A Labour MP warned, “If the Greens win it will feed into the narrative that voting Green is not a wasted vote and they are a serious alternative around the country.”
Why it Matters
The Gorton and Denton by-election serves as a litmus test for Labour’s current standing and internal cohesion. A loss could signify deeper issues within the party, challenging Starmer’s leadership and impacting upcoming local elections. With rival parties gaining momentum, the outcome may redefine political dynamics in the region and beyond, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape ahead of the next general election.
