Labour has officially announced Manchester city councillor Angeliki Stogia as its candidate for the upcoming Gorton and Denton by-election, a move aimed at safeguarding the party’s hold on the seat. This decision follows the controversial denial of Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham’s candidacy, which has stirred discontent among Labour backbenchers and raised alarms about the party’s prospects in the wake of declining poll ratings.
Controversy Surrounding Burnham’s Candidacy
Just days before the candidate announcement, Burnham was reportedly blocked from running, leading to accusations that party leader Sir Keir Starmer and his inner circle are acting out of fear of a potential leadership challenge. Burnham’s popularity among the electorate and within the party has made his exclusion particularly contentious, and many Labour MPs are expressing a lack of enthusiasm for the campaign, fearing a loss in a traditionally safe constituency.
“It’s disheartening,” remarked one MP. “We would have won with Andy Burnham, but now, many activists aren’t inspired to mobilise in Gorton and Denton.”
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of former MP Andrew Gwynne, who stepped down citing health issues. Gwynne, who was previously suspended from the Labour Party over offensive comments, won the seat in 2024 with over half the votes but left behind a challenging landscape for his successor.
The Field of Candidates
In addition to Stogia, the by-election will see competition from several parties. Reform UK has selected GB News presenter Matt Goodwin, while the Greens will field local councillor and plumber Hannah Spencer, and the Liberal Democrats have named local campaigner Jackie Pearcey. The landscape is shaping up to be competitive, with Labour insisting it will be a “straight fight” between their party and Reform UK, despite the growing backing for the Greens.
Labour’s leadership has instructed MPs to campaign in the constituency at least once before the vote on 26 February, as concerns mount that the party could suffer a humiliating defeat. However, morale appears low, and the urgency of the situation has prompted talks of a leadership challenge, potentially from figures such as Health Secretary Wes Streeting and former Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
Implications for Labour’s Future
The timing of the by-election has further exacerbated tensions within Labour, with some MPs suggesting that Sir Keir Starmer’s decision to hold the vote before the local elections on 7 May has accelerated the timeline for a leadership contest. Veteran MPs have warned that a poor showing in Gorton and Denton could signal broader electoral challenges ahead.
“Coming third in this seat would be unacceptable,” one senior backbencher stated, highlighting the fears that a negative result could foreshadow a significant backlash during the local elections.
Labour is actively working to prevent a repeat of the “Caerphilly scenario,” where tactical voting led to a Labour defeat in a long-held seat. The party is urging its left-leaning supporters to back Labour rather than risk splitting the vote with the Greens.
Why it Matters
The Gorton and Denton by-election is more than just a local race; it represents a critical juncture for Labour as it grapples with internal strife and the potential for a leadership shake-up. With significant implications for party unity and electoral viability, the outcome could be a bellwether for Labour’s prospects in the upcoming local elections and beyond. If the party fails to maintain its stronghold in this constituency, it could exacerbate existing divisions and signal a shift in the political landscape that may reverberate through the upcoming general election.
