Reform UK and Green Party Gear Up for Gorton and Denton By-Election
As the first parliamentary by-election of 2026 approaches, Reform UK and the Green Party are positioning themselves for a potential victory in Gorton and Denton. This comes amid a growing internal rift within Labour, as leader Sir Keir Starmer faces criticism for blocking Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham from standing for the seat. The by-election is scheduled for 26 February.
Labour’s Decision Sparks Controversy
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of suspended Labour MP Andrew Gwynne. Observers initially viewed this as an opportunity for the popular Burnham to return to Westminster, potentially even setting the stage for a leadership challenge. However, Labour’s National Executive Committee has decided against allowing him to run, dashing those aspirations for the time being.
The Prime Minister has defended the decision, arguing that it would help concentrate party resources on the upcoming local elections in May and avoid the complications of another by-election for Burnham’s mayoralty.
Internal Party Discontent
According to Sky News’s chief political correspondent, Jon Craig, a recent meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party revealed considerable dissatisfaction among MPs regarding the ruling. Many members believe that Starmer mishandled the situation, treating Burnham unjustly and possibly weakening his own position within the party.
Attorney General Lord Hermer addressed colleagues about the significant challenges facing the party but remained optimistic that government policies would benefit the nation in the long term.
The Stakes of the By-Election
The significance of this by-election can’t be underestimated. In the last general election in 2024, Labour secured the Gorton and Denton seat with a commanding majority of 13,413 votes. Reform UK came second with 14.1%, followed closely by the Greens at 13.2%. Both parties are eager to capitalize on Labour’s internal strife and believe they stand a real chance of securing victory.
Farage has signalled that his party would reveal its candidate soon, asserting that an “anti-Keir Starmer vote” will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. He noted that the absence of a pro-Burnham vote may shift those dissatisfied voters towards his party instead.
Green Party’s Strategy
Meanwhile, the Green Party is also gearing up for the by-election, with plans to announce their candidate later this week. Zack Polanski, the party leader who hails from Salford, is expected to be involved but will likely focus on a future campaign in London instead. A party source stated that the Greens are committed to making a strong push for this seat, expressing confidence in their ability to win.
Background
This by-election occurs in a landscape marked by Labour’s internal turmoil and the rise of alternative parties like Reform UK and the Greens. The unfolding events surrounding Andy Burnham and his potential candidacy have drawn significant attention, encapsulating the broader challenges faced by traditional parties in adapting to shifting political sentiments in the UK.
Source: Original Article
