What's happened
Labour is contesting a crucial by-election in Gorton and Denton, Manchester, amid a competitive race against Reform UK and the Green Party. The Prime Minister has campaigned actively, emphasizing the importance of defeating far-right and divisive politics, with the outcome seen as pivotal for Keir Starmer's leadership and Labour's future prospects.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Significance
Labour's active campaigning in Gorton and Denton underscores its recognition of the seat's importance as a barometer for national sentiment. The party aims to prevent Reform UK from capitalizing on anti-establishment sentiment, especially given recent narrow victories like the Runcorn by-election.
Political Dynamics
The race highlights the fragmentation of the anti-Conservative vote, with the Greens positioning as the anti-Reform candidate, potentially splitting the opposition. Keir Starmer's direct involvement signals his focus on consolidating Labour's base and preventing vote-splitting that could benefit far-right candidates.
Broader Implications
A Labour victory would bolster Starmer's leadership and provide momentum ahead of upcoming elections in Wales, Scotland, and local authorities. Conversely, a loss to Reform UK or the Greens could deepen internal doubts about Labour's electoral strategy and its ability to counter populist and far-right movements.
Underlying Tensions
Starmer's decision to block Andy Burnham's candidacy reflects internal party tensions and strategic calculations about resource allocation. The contest also exposes the challenge Labour faces in balancing progressive policies with broader electoral appeal amid a polarized political climate.
What the papers say
The Mirror reports that Prime Minister Starmer is actively campaigning, framing the by-election as a 'battle for the soul of the nation' and emphasizing the threat of Reform UK and divisive politics. Lizzy Buchan highlights Starmer's direct appeal to voters and his criticism of Reform's candidate Matt Goodwin, especially over his controversial views on national identity.
Meanwhile, The Guardian's Helen Pidd provides context on the scandal surrounding former Labour MP Andrew Gwynne and the significance of the by-election during a period of declining Labour popularity. Pidd notes the internal party tensions, including Starmer's decision to block Andy Burnham from standing, and the high stakes for Labour's leadership.
The Independent adds that Starmer's visit is unusual for a prime minister during a by-election, signaling the importance of the seat. It also discusses the broader political landscape, including Labour's concerns about vote-splitting and the Green Party's stance on drug decriminalization, which Starmer criticizes as 'disgusting.' The article underscores the strategic importance of the contest for Labour's national prospects and Starmer's leadership.
How we got here
The by-election was triggered after Labour MP Andrew Gwynne retired following a WhatsApp scandal. The contest occurs at a challenging time for Labour, with Reform UK gaining ground and Labour's popularity waning. The party's leader, Keir Starmer, has personally campaigned in the constituency, emphasizing the stakes for national politics and Labour's direction.
Go deeper
- What are the key issues driving voters in this by-election?
- Could the result signal a shift in UK political dynamics?
- How are Reform UK and the Greens affecting Labour's chances?
More on these topics
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Andrew Murray Burnham is a British Labour Party politician who has served as Mayor of Greater Manchester since 2017. He attended Gordon Brown’s Cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury from 2007 to 2008 and served in the Cabinet as Culture Secretary f
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Nigel Paul Farage is a British politician. He has been leader of the Brexit Party since 2019, and served as Member of the European Parliament for South East England from 1999 until the United Kingdom's exit from the EU in 2020.
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Andrew John Gwynne is an English Labour Party politician. He has been the Member of Parliament for Denton and Reddish in Greater Manchester since the 2005 general election, when he replaced the retiring Andrew Bennett.